When you have a baby, nearly every aspect of your life – and your body – change. Age, heredity, number of pregnancies, length of time and frequency of breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can all factor in to how the breasts heal after you give birth. To correct those changes, a breast augmentation and/or lift may help restore your confidence.
The hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause your breasts to swell and increase in size. Lactation also creates a different, denser tissue in the breast. After you’ve finished breastfeeding, the breasts can return to their normal size or smaller. A breast augmentation will increase the size of your breasts back to their pre-baby size or larger depending on your personal goals. They may stay larger but with some sag to them. A breast lift or cosmetic reduction can return them to your desired shape and size.
Whether your breasts stay larger or go back to a smaller size, you will likely still experience stretching of the skin. Milk flow can stretch the skin and tissue, leading to a ‘pancake shaped’ look. Additionally, as the breasts settle in at their new size, sagging is common. In that case, a breast lift can help reshape your breasts by removing the excess skin and tightening the supporting tissue.
When is the best time to have your surgery after you give birth? If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait 3-6 months after you’ve stopped lactating. If you choose not to breastfeed, you can get your procedure done sooner – right around 3 months. Even if you have met that waiting period mark, you may still want to delay getting surgery for a bit longer if you are actively losing weight so you and your surgeon can select the best procedures and/or implants for your goal weight body.
If you plan on having more children, it may be best to hold off on your breast surgeries until after you’ve finished – having surgery now does not necessarily prevent changes that can come with pregnancies down the road. We recommend discussing your future plans and goals with your surgeon during your consultation process.
A breast augmentation, lift, or both can help you feel confident in your body and restore the shape and fullness to your breasts. If you think a post-partum breast procedure might be for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Robinson or call our office at (219) 500-5766.