Being a good candidate for breast enhancement or enlargement depends on a combination of physical and psychological factors. You are generally a good candidate if you are in good physical health, a non-smoker, and have fully developed breasts. It’s also essential to have a stable weight and no untreated medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or healing. Psychologically, you should have realistic expectations, understanding that the goal is enhancement, not perfection, and you are seeking the surgery for yourself, not to please others. The best way to determine your candidacy is a personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific anatomy and discuss your goals.

The effect of breast surgery on your ability to breastfeed depends heavily on the type of procedure and the surgical technique used. For breast augmentation, the ability to breastfeed is generally not affected if the incision is made in the breast fold or armpit, as these approaches avoid damaging milk ducts and nerves. However, incisions around the areola may increase the risk of milk duct damage, potentially reducing your milk supply. For breast reduction or lift surgeries, a surgeon’s effort to preserve the connection between the nipple, milk ducts, and nerves is crucial. While many women can still breastfeed after these procedures, their milk supply may be reduced. It’s vital to discuss your breastfeeding goals with your surgeon during the consultation.

Recovery from breast surgery varies, but most patients feel the most discomfort in the first few days. Pain, swelling, and bruising are common and can be managed with prescribed medication. It’s crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and follow your surgeon’s specific instructions. You’ll typically be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra continuously for several weeks. Light walking is encouraged to promote blood flow, but strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and driving are restricted for several weeks. While initial healing is a few weeks, it can take up to six months or a year for all swelling to subside and for the final results to be visible.

Exercising after a breast augmentation requires a gradual and careful approach to ensure proper healing and implant stability. In the first few weeks, you should only engage in light walking to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are strictly prohibited. After about four to six weeks, with your surgeon’s clearance, you can typically begin to reintroduce low-impact cardio like stationary cycling and lower-body strength training. Exercises that directly strain the chest muscles, such as push-ups, chest presses, and weightlifting, should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks. Always listen to your body, wear a supportive sports bra, and consult your surgeon before resuming any exercise routine.

The number of cc’s (cubic centimeters) in a breast implant correlates to its volume, but it does not directly translate to a specific bra cup size. This is a common misconception. The final breast size is a result of the implant’s volume combined with your existing breast tissue, chest width, and the implant’s profile (how much it projects forward). For example, a 300cc implant will look very different on a person with a wide chest and minimal tissue compared to someone with a narrow chest and more natural breast volume. Surgeons use sizers during your consultation to help you visualize different volumes and profiles to achieve your desired aesthetic, rather than simply focusing on a cup size.