Breast implants and eventing?

[system]

After the birth of my most recent child two years ago, the girls are… saggy. I’ve always had a great body image but this has been bothering me since I quit breast feeding and they deflated (think golf balls in tube socks):o My very supportive husband finally that if I want, I can get it fixed. We’re done having kids. I don’t want to increase the size, I just want something smallish and natural like my pre-baby boobs.

Score - now to research it:D hold the phones - looks like eventing and breast implants might be incompatible.

I don’t have anyone in my immediate circle who rides AND who has had implants. Anyone brave enough to share their experience with me?

How long will I be off my horse? Am I going to pop one if I take a fall? Now that my husband has actually said go ahead, I’m having huge reservations about the reality of it.

[TrakHack]

Have you considered just doing a lift?

[Lucassb]

Well, I am a H/J person, not an eventer… but I got implants as part of my reconstructive surgery after being treated for breast cancer, and I’ve been riding with the “new parts” for several years now.

Not sure what leads you to believe that they are incompatible with eventing (and I am no eventing expert!) but generally speaking implants are pretty durable and aren’t going to “pop” if you fall, for example. Leaks ARE possible - but the incidence from trauma is very, very low in the studies I’ve seen. Do look into the difference between the saline type and the silicone and research your choices with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Of course, as with any surgery, there are always risks, and also understand that implants are not permanent fixtures; they will eventually have to be replaced. Any doctor that does not disclose this to you upfront - and many won’t - is a red flag situation.

You should also know that, generally, the recommendation is to have an MRI every 2-3 years post surgery to check the implants & confirm that everything is still A-OK. If done for cosmetic reasons, insurance does not typically cover those MRIs, which can run anywhere from $700-1400 or so at a reputable facility.

Feel free to PM if you have other questions…

[ladybugred]

I don’t have implants, yet, but I have done TONS of research.

1. You want the implant UNDER the muscle, its more protected there.
2. Go for the “Gummy Bears” they are a solid silicone with the texture of…Gummy Bears! They still feel natural, but if they rupture, the contents can’t leak!
3. You won’t be able to ride for about 6 weeks, to allow for proper healing. I’m palnning on having it done in Mid Jan, riding again by March.

On the other hand you could get a lift. Contrary to many opinions, a lift WILL NOT reduce volume, so you should be the same cup size as before, just reduce excess skin. Downtime is also about 6 weeks.

There was an OT topic on this a couple OT “days” ago.

LBR

[ladybugred]

Like Lucas said, they should be replaced every 5-10 yrs. A lift is one and done, if no more kids.

LBR

[tbeventer]

I know a couple eventers who have implants. One rider got them when we were in college and she hasn’t appeared to have issues with them, although I haven’t been in contact with her for quite some time, but followed her career. The other rider I know quite well and after having breast cancer, she INCREASED her size to a B+ from an A- and hasn’t had any issues. For her, it was terribly painful to go through having spacers put in (she had a double masectomy at the age of 25 for treatment of agressive breast cancer). She has no need to wear a bra any more because they no longer “bounce” and has said that sitting the trot is a lot more comfortable.

[system]

Thanks for the input. My major concerns were leaking/popping if I took a fall & hit a jump and the amount of down time involved. A lift might be an option too since I like the size but not the location. As far as I can tell, the cohesive silicone implants (AKA gummy bears) are only available in CA, TX, MO, MI, IN, and NJ. I’m in area III - no where nearby.

Guess the next step is to schedule a consultation and discuss it with a doc.

[AUeventer]

If a saline implant leaks, it’s an inconvenience but it doesn’t harm your health. its just saline. shoot me if i’m wrong but i’m not sure how that could harm you, i just imagine you would have to get to the surgeon asap to remove the shell and/or replace it. it happened to my stepmom and unfortunately she’s fine :lol:

might need a new bra for better support, a regular ole sports bra may not do what you need it to do, but other than that it shouldn’t affect your riding. you probably won’t be riding for at least 3-4 weeks. you will know when you can because you won’t be sore, so this may vary between people. just keep em supported. since you have kids, be prepared to not be able to carry them or pick them up for at least a week or two. i think a jug of milk is the heaviest thing you are allowed to lift. vacuuming and other cleaning will also be difficult for at least a week.

fyi, i know several people with implants that event and none of them regret it!

[tbeventer]

[QUOTE=YesItsAnAlter;5587213]
Thanks for the input. My major concerns were leaking/popping if I took a fall & hit a jump and the amount of down time involved. A lift might be an option too since I like the size but not the location. As far as I can tell, the cohesive silicone implants (AKA gummy bears) are only available in CA, TX, MO, MI, IN, and NJ. I’m in area III - no where nearby.

Guess the next step is to schedule a consultation and discuss it with a doc.[/QUOTE]

Downtime… From all those at the gym I work out at [and worked at] I was told about 4-6 weeks before they were back running… Walking was painful for the first week-2 weeks, and as for having them redone, one gal has had hers for 13 years now and not had them redone, as they haven’t needed to be. I think they are saline, but not sure. I was the only trainer working there that was au natural, so they tried to convince me it would be “nice”, but a custom saddle is FAR more “nice” for me.:yes:
FYI, my friend that had them for reconstruction after breast cancer had the option of having a tummy tuck and the “tummy” would be inserted as new breast matter. She opted NOT to go that route because of the scarring and extended down time, but always another- slightly more natural- option.

[MunchingonHay]

I have tummy to donate if you decide to go that route!

[MeghanDACVA]

[QUOTE=MunchingonHay;5587294]
I have tummy to donate if you decide to go that route![/QUOTE]

Me too.

[advmom]

FYI A Mastopexy aka lift alone will not restore the fullness in the upper part of your breast like most women desire
An Augment/mastopexy will lift the tissue you have and a small implant will restore the youthful roundness in your breast
whether you decide on saline or gel is personal preference, if you have sufficient natural tissue you won’t be able to tell the difference, if you have very little breast tissue a gel implant has a nicer feel and very little risk or “rippling”, the cost of saline is considerably less than gel
the downtime of an Augment/mastopexy is longer than a simple augment obviously and there is more scar involved
No need to replace implants unless there are complications down the road
Good luck!

[redlight]

I got tossed big time when I had expanders (also had breast cancer) and I was fine. I check with my plastic surgeon before I started riding again because I thought they might “pop” but he said not to worry. You will definitely need to take a few weeks off after the surgery.

[Jane_Honda]

[QUOTE=AUeventer;5587268]
If a saline implant leaks, it’s an inconvenience but it doesn’t harm your health. its just saline. shoot me if i’m wrong but i’m not sure how that could harm you, i just imagine you would have to get to the surgeon asap to remove the shell and/or replace it. it happened to my stepmom and unfortunately she’s fine :lol:[/QUOTE]

:lol:

[Altitude_Rider]

I’ve had mine for a long time and evented, rode all the time, skied a ton, did miles and miles of high altitude mountain running, trail riding, barn chores, etc without ever thinking twice about them. If they popped from a fall, which was highly unlikely, then I would have had to deal with it but otherwise I handled everything normally.

I did wear my vest fairly often, for sure when xc schooling but even on greenies or unfamiliar horses.

I love them! :lol:

[Heliodoro]

I have extra boobage to donate if you’re interested!

[tbeventer]

[QUOTE=Altitude Rider;5587552]
I’ve had mine for a long time and evented, rode all the time, skied a ton, did miles and miles of high altitude mountain running, trail riding, barn chores, etc without ever thinking twice about them. If they popped from a fall, which was highly unlikely, then I would have had to deal with it but otherwise I handled everything normally.

I did wear my vest fairly often, for sure when xc schooling but even on greenies or unfamiliar horses.

I love them! :lol:[/QUOTE]

I never knew you had them! I just thought you had absolutely perfect breasts! And now… you’re preggers. Missing you in Area 3!

[Whimbrel]

my experience

I have one implant after a masectomy 10 years ago. Since I have no remaining breast tissue on that side, my experience will be somewhat different than yours. I notice the implant pressing on my ribs fairly frequently - not painful, but can be annoying. My surgeon tried to get me to do one of the “flap” options for a more natural look - either flip some muscle up from the abdomen or from your back. The clincher for me was that either of those procedures would significantly limit your muscle strength at the donor site. I didn’t find a 10-20% reduction in abdominal strength to be compatible with the type of riding I wanted to do (eventing).

My saline implant has survived, without issue, my graceless fall against a cross country jump (artfully draping that arm across the jump to ensure full impact to the implant) and a recent crushing incident when a mare I was leading pinned me laterally against a wall (all the trauma was at shoulder height). So - they are definitely durable.

Good luck with your decision.

[ReeseTheBeast]

@AUeventer;5587268

If a saline implant leaks, it’s an inconvenience but it doesn’t harm your health. its just saline. shoot me if i’m wrong but i’m not sure how that could harm you, i just imagine you would have to get to the surgeon asap to remove the shell and/or replace it. it happened to my stepmom and unfortunately she’s fine :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Outyougo]

Whimbrel made an excellent note about “auto” implants My docs also pointed out to me there is significant muscle loss

I am a 2x time breast cancer survivor First did lumpectomy – had child and was very mis matched (neck pain) got a reduction to even out–back to climbing loft ladder in 3 days.

12 years later the cancer returned at first site breast gone then got an implant to protect chest (very bare with out any padding) no issues