Many women have hang ups when it comes to discussing how pregnancy will affect them after they have undergone a breast surgery. Luckily, there is no need to fear! We’ve compiled the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the ways pregnancy will affect augmented breasts.
Does Pregnancy Ruin Implants?
Short answer, no. Pregnancy will only affect natural breast tissue and only in some women. There may be swelling of the breasts throughout the pregnancy and for a while post-birth, but the implant itself will not be affected. That being said, the aesthetic of your breasts may change. This happens because as the breasts swell and milk production begins, skin will stretch which may cause sagging as it would in natural breasts. This is only true in some cases, and should not be assessed or altered until breastfeeding has ended and milk production has stopped. This will take differing amounts of time depending on the patient’s post-pregnancy recovery. After this, you should consult with a plastic surgeon about restoring any damaged or sagging skin.
But What About Breast Feeding?
Implants are situated underneath the muscle of the breast, so there should be no adverse effects to breast feeding should you choose that path. That being said, certain breast surgeries can leave scarring near the areola which can hinder your ability to breastfeed. The best way to be sure everything is going well is to talk to your physician while pregnant about any past surgeries. That way, he or she can monitor your baby’s weight to be sure your child is getting all the nutrients needed and is eating enough to be healthy and happy.
Won’t They Still Sag After?
Not necessarily. This answer comes in part from your family genealogy and in part by your individual body. If the women in your family typically exhibited noticeable sagging in their breasts, you may notice this as well. Conversely, if little change is shown in family members post-baby, you can expect the same. Of course, all of this is subject to the individual patient as every body is different. As we mentioned, you can consult with your plastic surgeon to restore any unwanted sagging with a breast lift. If possible, halt all surgery until after you’ve had your last child so as little trauma as possible will be inflicted on the breasts.
How Long After Pregnancy Should I Wait Before Surgery?
Most physicians agree that waiting three to six months after breast feeding has ended is the best way to ensure any augmented breasts will have the best outcome. This gives the breasts a chance to stop milk production and return to a normal state in which the glands are no longer swollen. In this window of time your weight will stabilize and your hormone levels will change. Keep an eye on your body and the changes it exhibits during this time. Once you are convinced the changes in your body have stabilized, you can consult with a surgeon about his or her opinions on best steps moving forward. If possible, talk to women in your immediate family to discuss how their breasts and bodies changed post-pregnancy. For some women, three months is sufficient for the body to return to normal, but for others it may take six months to a year. To ensure beautiful results you will want to be sure your body is prepared for surgery and is no longer affected by any post-pregnancy changes.
Important Takeaways
While it may not affect implants directly, pregnancy causes major changes to the whole body, including the breasts. If at all possible, hold off on any breast augmentation surgery until after you have made the decision not to have any more children. By taking that step, the breast tissue can heal from one surgery instead of causing additional trauma from repeated breast lifts. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you have augmented breasts before getting pregnant so you can experience the safest pregnancy possible. For any and all questions regarding risks and rewards of breast surgery after pregnancy, always consult a doctor.