Breast Augmentation After Babies: All You Need To Know

If you are considering breast augmentation after babies, you probably have a few questions. We hope this article addresses some of your questions as you explore your options.

Please keep in mind that it isn’t a substitute for an individual consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. It is a starting point in your journey.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020, over 193,000 women received breast augmentation surgery. Many of these women wanted to improve the appearance of their breasts after pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing.

Why Breast Augmentation is Often Sought After Childbirth

It isn’t a secret that pregnancy and childbirth change a woman’s body. Many marvel at the miracle and the realization of their bodies’ capabilities. Some suffer discomfort and even self-consciousness since the body they have no longer fits their self-image.

Many treat themselves to a “mommy makeover,” a custom package of plastic surgery and nonsurgical skin tightening designed to help them regain their previous figures or improve on them.

Breast augmentation is often part of a mommy makeover as some women find that pregnancy left their breasts looking “deflated” due to the rapid weight gain and loss.

In recent years, plastic surgery has become more mainstream and socially acceptable in part due to reality TV stars, celebrities, and social media influencers. While we have mixed feelings about this, we can’t help but feel glad that more and more people are considering plastic surgery without bias or judgment. We aim to empower everyone to look and feel their most confident, whatever that means to you.

Sometimes women seek breast augmentation after nursing since their nipples seem lower. If you want to lift without adding significant volume, a breast lift may be what you want. Sometimes this is only clear after a consultation since few people know the full range of options available.

Timing Breast Augmentation if You are Expanding Your Family

Pregnancy and nursing often change the size and shape of the breasts, but these changes are not the same for every woman or for every pregnancy.

It may help to understand the structure of the breasts better. Breast tissue is partially made of glandular tissue as well as fatty tissue. The hormonal shifts during pregnancy and nursing as well as weight gain, often cause this tissue to grow. But weight loss and normalizing of hormones may then cause them to “shrink” or change shape.

We recommend that women wait until after weaning to get their implants, mainly because the size, perkiness, or shape of the breasts may change after nursing. If you are trying to conceive, this may be more complicated since you may not want to wait if you have difficulties.

While breast augmentation surgery is generally safe, and revision surgery is an option should you need it later. Talk with your plastic surgeon about your plans, and together you can work out the right timeline for you. If pregnancy is in your very near future, it may make sense to wait even though plenty of moms with implants have healthy babies and nurse them.

What if You Already Have Implants?

We mentioned revision surgery often; women who already had implants want a different size after pregnancy due to changes in their breast size. They may wish for either a smaller or larger implant or even a different type of implant. Or you may be curious if you are unsure whether you plan to have another child.

Sometimes women who already have silicone implants have concerns about whether their implant may leak into their breast milk. If that applies to you, you may be comforted to learn that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there are not yet any clinical reports of silicone implants causing problems for babies. Talk with your doctor and plastic surgeon about your concerns and your options.

Some worry about whether existing implants may interfere with breastfeeding in the future. The breast implants should be placed between the chest wall and the breast. This placement means it shouldn’t interfere with the mammary glands or breast ducts. Most women can nurse after augmentation. If this is your future concern, please talk with your plastic surgeon about it during your consultation.

Planning for Recovery

As with any operation, you may need to slow down for a few weeks after surgery to heal and recover. If you have small children, this can be especially challenging. Arrange for the help you need to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals, arrange childcare and plenty of quiet time activities, and book any vacation or medical leave you may need.

Most people aim to take one to two weeks off work, though the full recovery period may take around six weeks, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. While people do work during parts of their recovery, you may still prefer to plan on how to handle some of the realities of child and infant care. Many mothers have navigated these choices so it can be done, we just mention it to empower you to figure out what that may look like for you and for your family.

Your Next Step: Schedule a Consultation

We understand that these choices balance both your and your child’s interests. That’s why one size doesn’t fit everyone when it comes to breast augmentation or any other plastic surgery. Schedule a consultation to help you decide whether breast augmentation option is right for you and to get any questions you have answered.

We at Charlotte Plastic Surgery proudly service the Charlotte area community and the surrounding areas. For decades we helped women choose the right implants for their needs and love their post-childbirth bodies. We believe that all moms deserve to feel as beautiful as they are.

Be sure to talk with your surgeon about your aesthetic goals, medical history, lifestyle, and plans. Also, ask any questions you have. The best decision comes from being informed.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.