When people think about breast augmentation, they often think about the cosmetic benefits for women with small breasts. Yet breast implants have many uses, allowing cosmetic surgeons to restore and enhance a patient’s appearance in many ways. For instance, a number of women may benefit from getting breast implants after they’ve finished breastfeeding.
The team at our San Mateo, CA plastic surgery center would like to discuss how nursing affects a woman’s breasts. We’ll then note how implants may be an ideal way to restore a woman’s appearance.
How Breastfeeding Affects the Breasts
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the production of milk can cause a woman’s breasts to swell in size. After a woman finishes breastfeeding, the dense tissue of the breasts shrinks, resulting in a loss of volume. This change in cup size and shape can stretch the skin as well, changing the shape and perkiness of the breasts in the process.
Simply stated, women may experience drooping and sagging of the breasts after breastfeeding is over. Additionally, a mother may wind up having smaller breasts after nursing than they did before they became pregnant. You may have stretch marks on your breasts as well, which is your body’s natural response to major weight loss.
How Breast Augmentation Can Help
Many women consider getting breast implants after they’ve finished breastfeeding. In many cases, the implants restore the appearance of their breasts to the way they were before pregnancy. Breast implants can help address the changes to breast tissue that come with pregnancy and breastfeeding, improving a woman’s appearance and sense of self.
How Much Bigger Will My Breasts Become?
To a certain extent, the answer is up to you.
Some woman may only wish to restore the size of their breasts to the way there were prior to pregnancy. Other women may prefer going up a cup size or more to enhance their curves and improve their figure. In addition to breast size, it’s also important to consider the profile of the breast implants. Implant profile refers to the amount of outward projection of the implants, creating more cleavage and roundness.
Combined Breast Augmentation and Lift
For some patients, combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is the ideal option after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. During this surgery, breast implants are placed to increase the size of the breasts with targeted incisions made to help make the breasts perkier and firmer.
This is an ideal breast enhancement procedure for women whose breasts have lost a lot of volume after breastfeeding. This procedure may reduce the need for larger implants to achieve optimal cosmetic results.
Can I Still Breastfeed after Breast Augmentation?
If you do become pregnant after breast augmentation surgery, you should know that it is possible to breastfeed again. Additionally, your implants will not affect the safety or nutritional value of your breastmilk.
That said, your milk supply may be affected by breast augmentation depending on the surgical technique used. This can be discussed with your surgeon or your general practitioner.
Part of a Total Mommy Makeover
The breasts aren’t the only part of the body affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Some mothers considering breast implants may be good candidates for a full mommy makeover.
A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that target areas of the body affected by pregnancy, such as the abdominal area, the buttocks, the skin, and even portions of the face. Mommy makeover treatment can be discussed in more detail during your consultation at our practice.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
To learn more about breast augmentation surgery and whether or not it’s right for you, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. We will answer all of your questions and address your concerns.
