Lost volume and breast ptosis, or breast sagging, are common reasons why many women seek breast lift surgery after pregnancy. A breast lift is designed to remove excess skin and tighten and lift the remaining breast tissue to a more youthful position. A breast lift can even reposition the areolas if desired. Adding breast augmentation to a breast lift can provide volume that may have been lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you’re considering breast lift surgery after pregnancy, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to recover after having your child.
Give Your Body Time to Heal
While you may be ready for breast surgery right after having your child, your body is still healing. So, give yourself the time you need to bounce back from carrying your baby. The time it takes for this to happen will depend on many different factors surrounding your pregnancy. Whether you had a vaginal birth or c-section, experienced complications or are breastfeeding can dictate the timeline for recovering from childbirth.
Most women with uneventful pregnancies and births are typically cleared to resume normal activities around 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth. However, hormone and body changes generally continue for 3 to 6 months after. To maximize your results, it’s usually best to wait at least 6 months after pregnancy to make sure your hormones and body have stabilized.
Wait until Breastfeeding Is Complete
Typically, breast milk supply begins to dry up around 7 to 10 days after weaning. However, your breasts will continue to shrink and adjust to this lack of demand for much longer than that. This adjustment can take an additional 3 to 6 months after you’ve weaned your child. Depending on how long you intend to breastfeed, you’ll need to factor in another 3 to 6 months after you’ve stopped breastfeeding before considering a breast lift with implants.
Breastfeeding after having a breast lift with breast augmentation is possible, but it could affect your results. The quick fluctuation of volume due to hormonal changes could cause more sagging, and depending on the type of incision, your milk supply may be affected. To avoid risks of complications and having revisions after pregnancy, it’s best to wait.
Hit Your Target Weight
Hitting your goal weight before you have breast enhancement surgery can help support longer lasting results. Losing weight after having a breast lift with implants can cause your breasts to lose more volume and may require revisions. When you get the green light to resume physical activity, take that time to hit your goal weight. That way you’ll be in good health and ready to have your surgery.
What if I’m Planning More Children?
The answer primarily depends on timing. If you’re not sure about having more children, or if you aren’t planning to add to your family for at least 4-5 or more years, then it is ok to proceed with your breast enhancement procedure. However, if you think you’ll be looking to have more children in the next 1-3 years, then it’s best to wait until you have decided your family is complete.
