Some of the more common questions we receive here at the practice of Dr. Carrie A. Houssock involve the effects that pregnancy can have on breast augmentation results. Pregnancy affects each woman’s physiology in a number of different ways, and some individuals may not have the same experiences as others. During pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, the breasts can become swollen and enlarged, or they can actually lose a certain amount of volume; however, breast implants often provide some level of resistance to the volume loss that is common while pregnant. With that in mind, factors such as the length of the breastfeeding period, the number of times you have been pregnant, weight fluctuation, heredity, skin laxity, and others will ultimately have an effect on the appearance of your breasts during and after pregnancy.
The shape, size, and texture of the breast skin can all be affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict the magnitude of those effects; however, the structure and integrity of the breast implants themselves should not be affected by pregnancy at all. If you are considering breast augmentation and having children later in life, Dr. Houssock can evaluate your needs and talk with you about your concerns. If you have already had children and are considering pregnancy and plastic surgery options to address the loss of breast volume, sagging, or other common physical changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding, Dr. Houssock offers a number of advanced breast enhancement procedures. These treatments can help renew your appearance and restore your pre-pregnancy figure.
In addition to changes in breast volume, many women notice differences in breast position and skin elasticity after pregnancy and breastfeeding. As the breasts enlarge to prepare for nursing and later decrease in size once breastfeeding has ended, the skin and surrounding tissues may stretch. For some women, the breasts return close to their pre-pregnancy appearance, while others may experience sagging, loss of upper breast fullness, or changes in breast shape. While existing breast implants from a previous breast augmentation procedure generally remain intact and unaffected by pregnancy, the natural breast tissue surrounding the implants can still undergo these common post-pregnancy changes.
If these physical changes occur, there are several cosmetic procedures that may help restore a more youthful breast appearance. In some cases, patients who previously underwent breast augmentation may benefit from a breast lift (mastopexy) after pregnancy. A breast lift is designed to reposition the breasts to a more youthful height by tightening the surrounding tissue and removing excess skin. This procedure can improve breast contour and correct sagging that may occur after pregnancy or breastfeeding, even for patients who already have implants in place.
For women who did not have breast implants prior to pregnancy but notice a loss of fullness afterward, breast augmentation can be an excellent option. Breast augmentation uses saline or silicone implants to enhance breast volume, improve symmetry, and create a fuller contour. Many women choose this procedure to help restore the breast shape they had before pregnancy or to achieve a fuller appearance that better complements their overall figure.
In some situations, a combination of procedures may provide the most comprehensive rejuvenation. Many women consider a mommy makeover, which typically combines multiple treatments designed to address the physical changes that can occur after pregnancy. A mommy makeover may include procedures such as breast augmentation, a breast lift, tummy tuck surgery, or liposuction. When breast surgeries are included as part of a mommy makeover, they can help restore breast shape, position, and volume while also addressing other areas of the body affected by pregnancy.
It is important to remember that every patient’s body responds differently to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some women experience minimal changes to their breast appearance, while others may notice more significant differences. During a consultation, Dr. Houssock can evaluate your unique anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
Please contact us today with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Houssock.
Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on October 16th, 2015.