Posted: November 15, 2024
While pregnancy and breastfeeding are meaningful experiences, they can also significantly alter the shape of your body in various ways. If you've had a breast lift and are considering pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be wondering how they will impact your results. Here's what you can expect and how to maintain your ideal breasts.
Dr. John J. Corey, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Scottsdale, AZ, with extensive experience in breast surgeries, including augmentation, lifts, and implant revisions. He combines advanced Brazilian techniques with American standards and offers personalized procedures to enhance the feminine form.
Changes in Breast Shape and Size During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormones cause the breasts to enlarge, preparing them for milk production. This increase in size often leads to stretching of the skin and the breast tissue itself, which can affect the lifted appearance achieved by a breast lift. While not every woman will experience a noticeable change, many find that pregnancy can cause some sagging or loss of firmness, as the skin may not fully retract after the breasts reduce to their pre-pregnancy size.
Breastfeeding and Breast Lift Results
Breastfeeding involves more than just milk production—it also requires expansion and contraction of the milk ducts, which may impact breast tissue. After breastfeeding, some women notice a decrease in volume or fullness, particularly in the upper part of the breast, which can result in a slightly deflated appearance. While a breast lift primarily addresses sagging and doesn't necessarily add volume, these breastfeeding changes can sometimes reduce the aesthetic impact of a lift.
Timing Your Breast Lift for Optimal Results
If you're considering a breast lift and planning on future pregnancies, it's often recommended to wait until after you're done having children, and done breast feeding by at least 3-6 months, or however long it takes for your breasts to reach their "steady state" in size. This helps ensure the best possible results and reduces the likelihood of needing revision surgery. However, if you're already a parent considering a lift, many women enjoy long-lasting results, even with future pregnancies.
Another factor to consider is that with some breast lifts, the ability to breast feed sucessfully aftewards may be reduced or eliminated all together.
Maintaining Your Breast Lift Results
For women who have already had a breast lift, maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras, especially during pregnancy, can help minimize the effects on your results. Every woman's body responds differently, so discussing your plans with your surgeon is essential. Dr. Corey can provide personalized advice on timing and keeping your results intact.
Get Lifted, Youthful Breasts in Scottsdale, AZ
Although pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact breast lift results, thoughtful timing and the right care can help maintain your ideal shape for years. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Corey, call us at 480-767-7700.