After giving birth, your breasts will probably look different than they did before pregnancy. Hormone changes prepare the body for pregnancy, causing women to gain weight. The breasts swell for milk production.
After giving birth and breastfeeding, women shed the weight they gained and their hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels.
This natural process causes shifts in the fat and connective tissue within the breast, particularly the top portion of the breasts. To put it simply, your breasts may look like they’ve been deflated after having a baby.
San Mateo, CA cosmetic surgeon John Griffin offers breast enhancement surgery options to improve your breast size and shape after having a baby and nursing.
What Happens to the Breasts after Childbirth and Nursing?
The primary changes to the breasts are:
- Sagging breasts
- Loss of upper breast fullness
- Flatter breast shape and profile
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Stretched areolas
- Changes in areola color
- Drooping or stretched nipples
Can I Prevent Breast Deflation after Pregnancy?
Breast deflation is generally unavoidable after pregnancy. That said, the changes to your breasts will vary based on their initial size and shape prior to pregnancy, as well as a host of genetic and environmental factors.
Women can reduce the amount of breast deflation by:
- Wearing bras with good support during and after pregnancy
- Losing weight slowly after childbirth
- Using a good moisturizer
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
The best way to reverse breast deflation is to undergo a breast enhancement procedure.
Breast Augmentation after Pregnancy
During breast augmentation surgery, breast implants are placed to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts.
Whether silicone or saline, breast implants can increase the fullness of the flattened upper portion of the breast, giving the breasts a rounder appearance. Implants can also improve firmness and address issues with breast asymmetry that may have occurred.
Breast Lift after Pregnancy
If a woman simply wishes to restore the perkiness of her breasts, implants may not be necessary. A breast lift can remove excess skin and tissue from the breasts to make them appear firmer and rounder. The breast lift can also improve breast symmetry if one breast sags significantly more than the other.
Combined Breast Augmentation and Lift
It’s also possible for a plastic surgeon to combine breast implants with the breast lift technique. This will reduce sagging and drooping of the breasts while also improving the fullness and roundness of the breasts.
This combined surgery is a particularly good option for women whose breasts have flattened and sag considerably after pregnancy. It can help you look younger and more refreshed after having children.
Consider a Full Mommy Makeover
The breasts aren’t the only part of the body that changes after pregnancy is over. A breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of implants and lifting techniques could be part of a full mommy makeover.
The mommy makeover is a comprehensive approach to post-pregnancy body contouring, targeting the abdominal area, the breasts, the buttocks, thighs, and other parts of the body that can be changed by pregnancy.
During a consultation at our practice, we can discuss whether or not a mommy makeover is the ideal option for you and your needs.
Learn More about Looking Your Best
To learn more about improving the appearance of your breasts and your entire body after pregnancy, contact an experience cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. John Griffin and his team look forward to your visit.
