Pregnancy and having children is a beautiful experience and takes a lot of strength and selflessness out of a woman, but it can affect the body’s appearance. Aside from stretch marks, pregnancy can impact breast appearance, as lactation causes a shift in the breast tissue. Pregnancy causes the breasts to become larger and usually leads to a sagging appearance once you have finished breastfeeding. As a way to bounce back to their pre-pregnancy body, many women come to Dr. Liland’s office expressing their interest in getting a breast lift after pregnancy. Common concerns from women looking to get a breast lift after breastfeeding include sagging, drooping, or a “deflated” appearance. If your milk flow has stretched your natural breast skin and tissue after pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be a candidate for a breast lift.
What is a breast lift?
There are several types of breast surgery, from breast augmentation or reduction to a breast lift. Many women research one or more of these procedures, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, as a route of rejuvenation to their pre-baby bodies. During a breast lift, Dr. Liland makes an incision to lift and reshape your breast tissue before removing excess skin. He wraps up the procedure by repositioning the nipple and areola. Pregnancy causes the breasts to grow and then become “deflated” after breastfeeding, and Dr. Liland may recommend a combination of a breast lift and breast reduction. Not only will this lift the tissue but also remove any excess skin that may be weighing that down and causing a drooping, sagging appearance.
Should I get a breast lift after pregnancy and breastfeeding?
You should wait until you have finished breastfeeding before considering a breast lift. You should also consider whether you have finished having children before getting a breast lift because going through another pregnancy and lactation period after your breast lift will most likely result in the need for a breast lift revision.
If you want children in the future, but not necessarily anytime soon, and you want breast rejuvenation surgery at this point in your life, consult with Dr. Liland or another credible and knowledgeable breast surgeon. Dr. Liland will explain all of the best options for you and ensure you can undergo safe surgery and safe further pregnancy. He will detail a timeline for you to ensure you feel at ease about your plans to look great while living a happy, fruitful life. If you wait to get a breast lift until after you are finished breastfeeding and have no plans of having further children, the results will most likely be permanent.
How soon after breastfeeding can I get a breast lift?
If you are considering breast lift surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should wait until several months after you have finished lactating before proceeding.
Am I a candidate for a breast lift?
Should you be considering breast lift after breastfeeding but are unsure whether you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Liland. He will examine your current breast position and shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Once he analyzes the placement of your areola and nipples to see how drastically it points down, he will decide which method of breast lifting is correct for you based on the degree of sagging. Although a breast lift is considered one procedure, there are several techniques. If you are not a suitable candidate for one, options are available to help Dr. Liland get you to your goals in the best, safest way possible. You’re probably a great candidate for a breast lift to rejuvenate your body post pregnancy and breastfeeding if:
- You are experiencing sagging in your breasts that is causing damage to your confidence after having children and breastfeeding
- You have finished lactating for several months
- You have no plans of having more children
- You have realistic expectations of the results
- You have no underlying health constraints
- You have excess skin on your breasts that you hope to reduce
- You do not smoke
Can I get a breast lift as part of a mommy makeover?
Sagging breasts are a common issue women face after having children, so the breast lift is a massive boost for their confidence and comfort. During the mommy makeover, patients can have multiple procedures in one operation. The breast lift is an ideal addition to the mommy makeover, as it targets one of the main issues for post-baby women. Other mommy makeover procedures include the tummy tuck, liposuction, breast reduction, and even non-invasive treatments such as lasers or injectable fillers.
How long is breast lift recovery?
If you are a new mother, chances are you do not want surgery requiring a lengthy downtime that stops you from caring for your children. Though results take approximately 6-12 weeks to show, you should be able to return to light, day-to-day activities after about one week. You should refrain from strenuous exercise for at least six weeks.
The benefit of getting a breast lift after pregnancy and breastfeeding
When left with sagging in your breasts post-pregnancy and breastfeeding, it can be uncomfortable to hold yourself upright without feeling sore. Most post-baby breasts are heavier than before pregnancy and can cause back pain. Breast lifts are known to alleviate this back pain a great deal. Other significant benefits of getting a breast lift after childbearing and breastfeeding include:
- Reduction of rashes under the breasts and from bra grooving
- Less shoulder pain
- Results are permanent if you do not have further pregnancies
Becoming a mother is a great honor and something to be proud of, so don’t let it rain on your confidence and make you lose hope that you can look as great as you did pre-pregnancy. A breast lift after breastfeeding can be life-changing. Many patients tell Dr. Liland they have restored confidence and feel like their young, thriving selves again. If you want to look your best while being a great mother, contact Dr. Liland for a breast lift consultation today to see how he can help rejuvenate your breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.