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Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Effects on Breast Augmentation Results
Breast augmentation is a transformative process for many women. Not surprisingly, there is a strong desire to maintain the outcome as long as possible.
There are events in one’s life that can impact this—such as pregnancy. Conversely, there are considerations when undergoing a breast augmentation that can potentially impact the ability to breastfeed.
There are issues that should be considered before undergoing a breast enlargement.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding do lead to changes in breast volume and skin elasticity. These can be permanent, affecting the subsequent appearance of the breasts. However, there is no direct impact whatsoever on the implants themselves.
For women who want to maintain their youthful breast contours after cosmetic breast surgery, it is important to understand the potential impact that pregnancy and breastfeeding can have on breast augmentation results.
Breast Changes to Expect During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about hormonal fluctuations and physical changes, including breast tissue enlargement, skin stretching, and increased vascularity.
These natural changes can influence the appearance of both natural and augmented breasts.
Breast Changes to Expect While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding causes breast tissue and skin to expand and remain enlarged until it is ultimately stopped. Subsequently, there is some shrinkage of the tissues. Depending on multiple factors, there can be variable amounts of loss of tissue support and elasticity as well as sagging.
When implants are in place, the shape may not change as much as with natural breasts, but sagging still tends to occur.
Ability to Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation
Breast implants, whether placed above or below the muscle, generally do not interfere with breastfeeding. However, individual experiences may vary, and it’s essential to discuss breast augmentation techniques and their effect on your ability to breastfeed.
A periareolar incision, given its location right around the areola and in close proximity to the milk ducts, can theoretically have some impact on breastfeeding. The inframammary and transaxillary approaches don’t have this same risk.
Potential Breast Implant Complications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding have essentially zero direct impact on breast implants—and surely not with regard to their durability. If mastitis (infection of the breast related to the milk ducts) develops, there is a very remote chance that this could lead to capsular contracture.
Dealing With the Impact of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
All the planning in the world cannot always prevent the effects that pregnancy and breastfeeding have on natural or augmented breasts. The following solutions can help address undesirable consequences:
- Breast lift surgery: A breast lift can restore a youthful breast position and shape when pregnancy causes ptosis (sagging).
- Combining breast lift surgery with implants: If you have waited until you were finished with childbearing and breastfeeding for augmentation, combining your implants with a breast lift can best provide you with the rejuvenated, youthful breast appearance that is desired.
- Complications: Early intervention is vital when it appears that capsular contracture is developing during pregnancy.
- Breast implant revision: When volume changes or complications are experienced with augmented breasts, a breast revision procedure may be needed to achieve or re-attain an optimal aesthetic balance. This may involve a change in implant shape or size.
Remember, with careful consideration as well as information and recommendations from your plastic surgeon, you can achieve your breast enhancement goals and reduce anxiety related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breast Augmentation in Phoenix, AZ
As a cosmetic and reconstructive breast specialist and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub is highly qualified to assist you with all your breast augmentation concerns. He is strongly committed to helping you achieve your desired breast enhancement results before, during, and after pregnancy.
Call our office at (480) 451-3000 today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation.