Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

If you’ve been asking yourself whether you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation, you’re not alone. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States, and many women in Portsmouth, NH explore this option each year to address changes in breast size, shape, or volume. This guide covers the key physical and health factors that determine candidacy, what to expect from the surgery and recovery, and how to decide if this procedure aligns with your goals. Whether you’re in the early stages of research or ready to move forward, the information here will help you approach your decision with clarity and confidence. If you’d like to discuss your options with a specialist, contact AW Plastic Surgery at (603) 294-4526.

What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase breast volume, improve symmetry, or restore fullness that has changed due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or natural aging. It is among the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures in the country and has a well-established track record when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon.

During the procedure, a surgeon places implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle to achieve the desired shape and size. Implant options include saline implants and silicone implants, both of which are FDA-approved devices available in a range of profiles and sizes. In some cases, fat transfer augmentation may also be discussed as an alternative for patients seeking modest, natural-feeling breast enhancement.

Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Determining whether you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation involves evaluating several factors related to your overall health, your anatomy, and your goals. A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the most reliable way to assess candidacy, but the criteria below provide a meaningful starting point.

Physical Health Requirements

Good physical health is one of the most important foundations for any surgical procedure. Patients considering breast augmentation surgery should be in good health overall, free from active infections, and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes and untreated cancer, may affect a person’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover appropriately. Your surgeon will review your complete medical history to identify any medical issues that warrant further evaluation before proceeding.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also an important consideration. Significant weight fluctuations after breast implant surgery can affect the long-term appearance of your results, so patients who are close to a stable, healthy weight tend to achieve more consistent outcomes.

Age Requirements

There is a specific age requirement tied to implant type. The FDA recommends that patients be at least 18 years old for saline implants and at least 22 years old for silicone implants. This guidance exists because the breasts should be fully developed before augmentation surgery is performed. Undergoing breast augmentation before the breasts have fully developed may affect results and could require additional procedures later. Most women who are good candidates for breast augmentation are adults whose breast development is complete.

Realistic Expectations and Emotional Readiness

Being a strong candidate for breast augmentation also requires realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Breast augmentation can improve shape, increase volume, and address asymmetry, but it is not a solution for body image issues rooted in psychological distress, nor is it a substitute for other procedures such as a breast lift, which may be recommended if significant sagging is present. A good candidate approaches the surgery with personal motivation and a clear understanding of both the benefits and the risks involved. Individual results vary, and your surgeon will help you understand what outcomes are reasonable based on your anatomy.

Medical Conditions That May Affect Candidacy

Certain medical conditions require careful review before a surgeon can determine whether breast augmentation is appropriate. Patients with a history of breast cancer or those who have undergone a mastectomy may still be candidates, though the evaluation process is more involved and may require coordination with other members of the medical team. Active infections anywhere in the body, including skin infections near the chest, must be resolved before surgery can proceed safely.

Conditions that affect healing, immune function, or blood clotting are also relevant factors. Patients should disclose their full medical history, including all medications and supplements, so the surgeon can determine whether any risks need to be addressed or managed before undergoing breast augmentation.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Timing Considerations

Pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly influence the timing of breast augmentation. Women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are not candidates for breast implant surgery. Additionally, women who plan to become pregnant in the near future may want to consider waiting, since pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter breast shape and volume, potentially affecting the long-term appearance of augmentation results.

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery typically involves several weeks of activity restrictions. It is important to note that after surgery, patients are advised to not lift anything too heavy for several weeks, which often includes small children. 

When a Breast Lift May Also Be Recommended

Breast augmentation addresses volume, but it does not correct significant drooping or sagging of the breasts. If the breasts have lost their position on the chest wall due to aging, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, a breast lift may be recommended alongside or instead of augmentation. Your surgeon will evaluate the skin quality, nipple position, and existing breast tissue to determine whether augmentation alone can achieve your goals or whether a combined approach would produce a more proportionate result. Understanding this distinction helps patients decide on the right procedure from the beginning.

Why Choose AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, NH

When evaluating candidacy for breast augmentation surgery, the experience and credentials of your surgeon matter as much as any physical factor. Dr. Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the founder of AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A graduate of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Wilson brings specialized training and published research to every patient evaluation.

At AW Plastic Surgery, each consultation is designed to give patients a thorough, personalized assessment of their candidacy, goals, and options. Dr. Wilson serves patients throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding areas of the Seacoast New Hampshire region. To schedule a consultation, contact our office at (603) 294-4526 or visit our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Candidacy

Have questions that go beyond this guide? Dr. Wilson can provide personalized guidance based on your individual situation. Contact AW Plastic Surgery to request a consultation.

How do I know if I need a breast lift in addition to augmentation?

A breast lift is typically recommended when there is noticeable sagging or when the nipples sit below the natural crease of the breast. During a consultation, your surgeon will assess your breast position and skin laxity to determine whether implants alone will achieve a balanced result or whether a lift should be included. Addressing this during planning helps avoid the need for additional procedures later.

Does weight affect my candidacy for breast augmentation?

Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can alter the appearance of your results over time. Patients who are at or near a stable, healthy weight before surgery tend to experience more consistent, lasting outcomes. Your surgeon will discuss how your current weight and any planned changes may factor into your treatment planning.

Can I breastfeed after having breast implants?

Many women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, though outcomes vary depending on the surgical technique and individual anatomy. If breastfeeding is a priority for you, discuss this with your surgeon before the procedure so that incision placement and implant positioning can be planned accordingly.

How long does recovery typically take after breast augmentation surgery?

Recovery from breast augmentation generally involves two to four weeks before patients return to most daily activities, with more strenuous exercise typically restricted for four to six weeks. Individual recovery varies based on the surgical approach, implant placement, and each patient’s overall health. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery guidelines based on your procedure.

What is the difference between silicone implants and saline implants?

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel and tend to feel more similar to natural breast tissue, while saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and may feel slightly firmer. Both are FDA-approved options with distinct characteristics. Your surgeon will help you determine which type aligns best with your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.

Is breast augmentation covered by insurance?

Cosmetic breast augmentation is generally not covered by insurance, as it is an elective cosmetic procedure. In certain cases, such as reconstruction following mastectomy, coverage may apply. Costs and financing options vary, and our team can discuss payment planning options during your consultation.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Consultation

Understanding whether you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation is the essential first step in this process. From physical health and medical history to realistic expectations and timing, several factors work together to determine whether breast augmentation surgery is right for you. The most important next step is a one-on-one evaluation with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual situation. If you’re in Portsmouth, NH or the surrounding Seacoast region and are ready to explore your options, contact AW Plastic Surgery at (603) 294-4526 or schedule a consultation online today. Individual results may vary.

BACK TO ALL BLOGS