Pregnancy and Plastic Surgery
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Women who are pregnant, or those who may be planning to become pregnant in the future, often have many questions about the effects certain plastic surgery procedures can have on their bodies, or how a pregnancy may affect the results of a previous procedure. Dr. Carrie A. Houssock completely understands these concerns and offers the following answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy and procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Houssock to talk about your goals, please contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics today.
Pregnancy and Plastic Surgery FAQs
Will breast implants interfere with my pregnancy?
Breast implants, whether they are of the saline or silicone variety, should not have any effect on your pregnancy; however, each patient is different and each pregnancy is unique. It is always best to talk with your family physician and/or plastic surgeon about your goals and your individual needs. During the initial consultation, your medical history will be thoroughly evaluated and Dr. Houssock can discuss the best options.
What kind of effects will pregnancy have on my breast implants?
The implants themselves should not be affected by a pregnancy, but it is important to remember that there can be an effect on the shape, size, and skin firmness in the breasts caused by pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. It is common for the breasts to become larger during – and for some time after – pregnancy. This doesn’t happen for every woman, but it does happen. With that in mind, many women who have had breast augmentation before pregnancy do not experience a significant loss of volume or shape after pregnancy.
Will I be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation?
The answer to this question is often dependent on factors specific to your unique physiology; however, if you are able to breastfeed before you have breast augmentation, you should be able to breastfeed after the procedure. It has been said that about 25 percent of women are unable to breastfeed because of anatomical factors that affect lactation, regardless of whether they have implants or not. For those who are able to breastfeed, the placement of incisions and the implants themselves is very important. Dr. Houssock will evaluate your needs and talk with you about breast augmentation techniques that can minimize the potential effects on nerves and ducts in the breasts that are necessary for healthy breastfeeding.
What can I do about the effects of pregnancy or breastfeeding on my breasts?
For patients who would like to reduce the appearance of sagginess and loose, excess skin among the breasts that has appeared due to pregnancy or breastfeeding, a breast lift can address those goals. Breast augmentation can benefit women who experience a loss of volume after pregnancy, and breast reduction can help those who have experienced a surge in breast volume that they are ultimately dissatisfied with after pregnancy.
Can I have tummy tuck surgery before having children?
It is generally advisable to wait until you plan to have no more children before undergoing full tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) or other options such as a mini tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck. This is mainly because the abdominal skin and muscles will obviously become quite stretched during pregnancy, which may require another tummy tuck surgery later to make it appear as it was before. In fact, tummy tuck surgery is often an ideal procedure for women who would like to specifically address the physical changes pregnancy can cause in the abdominal area. With that in mind, it is still possible to have children after a tummy tuck procedure, and many patients have normal pregnancies following tummy tuck surgery. Your plastic surgeon will talk with you about your needs and goals and offer guidance on your available options.
“This is an amazing office. Great customer service started from the office staff. Dr Houssock is extremely friendly and very professional. Had the best experience. Love the result of my procedure.”
Maryam
Contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics
If you have more questions about pregnancy and plastic surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.