Breast Surgery FAQ With Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hunter

Breast Surgery in Raleigh, NC: Your Top Questions Answered

Breast surgery is one of the most personal, customizable procedures in plastic surgery. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. Whether you're considering breast augmentation, a lift, a reduction, or implant exchange, your questions deserve honest, clear answers.

Below, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cedric Hunter of Amelia Aesthetics in Raleigh, North Carolina, answers the most common questions from the Bustmob Community.

What’s the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation is the procedure. Breast implants are the tool used to achieve it. Augmentation simply means adding volume. While some surgeons use fat grafting, implants allow for:

• Predictable volume (300cc = 300cc)
• Immediate visible results
• Better control over shape and projection
• Fuller upper pole (top of the breast)

If you want more fullness, improved shape, or restored volume after pregnancy or weight loss, implants are typically the most reliable option.

Are Breast Implants Only for Women Who Want to Go “Big”?

No, and this is one of the biggest misconceptions. Many patients in Raleigh seeking breast augmentation want:

• Better shape
• Restored fullness after breastfeeding
• Subtle upper pole fullness
• More balance in clothing
• Symmetry

Implants range from very subtle to very dramatic. The right size is the one that fits your body and your goals, not trends.

Should I Wait Until After Kids to Get Breast Implants?

Not necessarily. There is no rule that you must wait until after pregnancy. Many patients choose augmentation before having children because:

• You may not know when (or if) you’ll have kids
• You deserve to feel confident now
• Implants do not automatically prevent breastfeeding

If changes happen after pregnancy, adjustments (like a lift) can be done later. Waiting isn’t required unless you personally prefer to.

Can I Breastfeed After Breast Surgery?

In many cases, yes. Dr. Hunter’s goal during augmentation, lift, or reduction is to:

• Preserve breast tissue behind the nipple
• Maintain blood supply
• Protect nerve sensation

Generally, patients who could breastfeed before surgery can typically breastfeed after surgery. It’s also important to remember that about 10–15% of women have difficulty breastfeeding regardless of surgery.

How Do I Know If My Implants Are “Too Big” for Me?

There’s no universal equation. Implants are “too big” if:

• You feel uncomfortable
• They don’t fit your lifestyle
• Clothing becomes frustrating
• You don’t like the aesthetic

However, proportional considerations do matter:

• Breast width
• Chest diameter
• Skin thickness
• Tissue coverage

A skilled surgeon will balance your goals with your anatomy, but size is ultimately a personal decision.

Over vs. Under the Muscle: Which Is Better?

Neither is universally better. It depends on your anatomy and lifestyle.

Implants Under the Muscle (Submuscular)

Pros:

• More natural slope
• Better camouflage in thin patients
• Muscle helps support the implant

Considerations:

• Possible animation (movement when flexing)
• Slightly longer early recovery

Implants Over the Muscle (Subglandular)

Pros:

• Faster initial recovery
• No animation
• Often preferred for bodybuilders

Considerations:

• More visible rippling in thin patients
• Skin provides primary support

Does Implant Placement Affect Mammograms?

Detection rates are the same whether implants are over or under the muscle. Modern imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI) is highly effective.

Will I Be Able to Work Out After Breast Implants?

Yes. Typically, there are lifting restrictions for the first six weeks after surgery. However, many patients find that once they are healed and cleared, can still do their normal exercises, including: 

• Bench press
• Push-ups
• CrossFit
• Powerlift
• Compete in bodybuilding

If implants are under the muscle, workouts may feel different at first, but strength returns. The key restriction is no heavy chest activity for six weeks.

How Long Is Recovery After Breast Surgery?

For augmentation, lift, or reduction, the typical recovery timeline looks like:

• Back to desk work: 2–4 days
• Light activity: within 1–2 weeks
• No heavy lifting: 6 weeks

Over-the-muscle implants may feel better slightly faster, but long-term outcomes are similar.

How Do I Know If I Need a Breast Lift?

You may need a breast lift if:

• Your nipples sit low on the breast
• You like the shape when you lift your arm (mirror test)
• You want a higher, tighter look

You may only need implants (no lift) if:

• You like your nipple position
• You just want more fullness

Borderline cases can be staged: Do implants first. Add a lift later only if needed. This avoids unnecessary scars.

What’s the Difference Between a Breast Lift and a Breast Reduction?

Every breast reduction includes a breast lift, and both use the same incision pattern. The difference is how much tissue is removed. 

• Breast Lift: Removes a small amount of tissue and reshapes.
• Breast Reduction: Removes a larger amount of tissue for a decrease in size.

What Is an Implant Exchange?

An implant exchange replaces old implants with new ones. Breast implant exchanges are used to:

• Change implant size
• Switch implant placement
• Correct capsule issues
• Update older implants

Breast implant exchanges can be done:

• Awake with local anesthesia (simple size swap)
• Under general anesthesia (if pocket adjustments are needed)
• Risk increases slightly with each surgery, but multiple exchanges are possible.

Do Implants Need to Be Replaced Every 10 Years?

It’s a myth that implants “expire” after 10 years. There is no expiration date. Generally, if you’re happy with your implants, there is no need to exchange them. However, older implants (15–20+ years old) may be replaced due to rupture risk. Newer cohesive “gummy bear” implants typically do not routinely require replacement and can remain for as long as there are no issues. That being said, implants are medical devices and are not intended to last forever.

What About Breast Implant Illness?

There is currently no definitive scientific data proving a causal link. While some patients report symptom improvement after removal, many patients with implants do not experience systemic issues. If you have concerns, a personalized consultation is essential.

How Does Weight Loss Affect Breast Surgery Results?

Major weight changes can affect outcomes. Typically, the best practice is to be within 10–15 pounds of your goal weight before surgery. If you gain or lose significant weight after surgery:

• You may lose breast tissue
• Implants may appear different
• A revision may be needed

How Young Can Someone Get a Breast Reduction?

At Amelia Aesthetics in Raleigh, you must be at least 18 years old. In reconstructive settings, the goal is function, not just appearance, and reductions may be performed earlier if:

• Severe back pain
• Functional limitations
• Significant asymmetry
• Emotional distress

What Should I Research Before a Breast Surgery Consultation?

Helpful things to consider before your appointment:

• Do you prefer a natural or round shape?
• Over vs under muscle (based on activity)?
• Do you think you might need a lift?
• Bring 5–10 inspiration photos (not 100)

Avoid getting overwhelmed by:

• Profile terminology
• Implant brand debates
• Internet horror stories

Your consultation is where customization happens. Breast surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s highly personalized, and that’s what makes it powerful.

At Amelia, the goal isn’t to push one method. It’s to:

• Understand your anatomy
• Understand your lifestyle
• Understand your aesthetic goals
• Create a plan that fits you

Whether you’re considering breast implants, a lift, reduction, exchange, or revision, informed decisions lead to confident outcomes.

If you’re ready to explore your options, book a consultation and start the conversation.

Get to Know Dr. Cedric Hunter

Dr. Hunter is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Amelia Aesthetics in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed extensive surgical training in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures.

His background includes years of experience treating patients across the full spectrum of breast care from cosmetic breast augmentation and lifts to breast reduction, implant revision, and reconstruction. This dual training allows him to approach every procedure with both aesthetic precision and a strong foundation in safety and long-term outcomes.

Known for his thoughtful, individualized approach, Dr. Hunter does not believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. He takes time to understand each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and goals to create results that feel balanced, natural, and aligned with their vision.

At Amelia Raleigh, Dr. Hunter is committed to education, transparency, and helping patients feel confident in every step of their decision-making process.