Having the breasts you've always wanted:

Common sense answers about breast augmentation.

Question: "Dear Dr. Cherup: I've been considering breast augmentation and would like to find out how long the total process would be, including healing time. I've heard and read that the healing process could be lengthy. I workout on a regular basis so I was curious on how long it would be until I would be able to workout again. I'm currently a size A-34 and thinking with my size (5'3, 120-125 lbs) going to a size C-cup. Any information would be helpful."
- Linda, Pittsburgh, PA

Answer: Dear Linda: Your question is good. Only a surgeon who performs precise pre-operative measurements will be able to guarantee you a certain cup size – ask him or her if he does. Your surgeon will take 60-75 minutes to perform a well-executed breast augmentation under general or local sedation anesthesia. Most likely, you should be home within 1 1/2 hours, resting comfortably on just oral pain medication. Your upper body motion should be severely restricted for at least 48 hours – after that walking vigorously, even the Stairmaster is allowed. After your sutures are removed at 2 weeks, most “arms up” activities are okay, except for tennis and heavy pectoralis work, which can resume at 6 weeks. You're smart for asking, Linda - planning makes a big difference.
- Dr. Lori L. Cherup, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Have a question you'd like to ask in confidence? Send an e-mail to Questions@DrCherup.com and we'll send you a confidential reply. Promise. Or call (866) 660-0017.

Click on a video below to launch.