This article has been reviewed and approved by Chief Medical Officer and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on March 15, 2024.
There is no denying that the body undergoes major changes both during and after pregnancy. For some, these changes are permanent, while others regain their original body once they have recovered. It is impossible to say how pregnancy will affect you, but what we do know is that many women find that their breasts do not quite return to their original shape and size. This is why it is common to have breast augmentation after having children.
And it's no wonder – when you're pregnant, your entire body is geared towards nourishing your baby. Pregnancy hormones, weight gain, and breastfeeding can all have a big impact on how your breasts will look afterwards. Breast augmentation after having children can be a way for some to restore the fullness of their breasts and get back the body they recognize and love.
Breast augmentation before or after pregnancy – which is best?
Breast augmentation after pregnancy does not, in theory, affect your pregnancy or breastfeeding, but it is always best to have the surgery after the baby is born, when your body has had a chance to recover. It is also not recommended to have the surgery before you have finished breastfeeding your baby. Your breasts need to heal in peace and quiet after the surgery, without being exposed to the stress that breastfeeding can contribute to.
Having a breast augmentation after having children is a way for you to choose how you want your breasts to look, and it increases the chances that you will be happy with the results. Even if you recover quickly from the procedure, your breasts need about 6 months to fully heal and adapt to your body and tissue.
Today, many new mothers choose to turn to professional clinics for help in increasing the fullness of their breasts again. Some choose silicone implants to increase the volume, while others prefer a breast lift if their breasts have started to sag more than before. You can also choose to undergo a so-called mommy makeover , which is, as the name suggests, a full-body makeover, which can be customized to suit you. It often includes some kind of breast surgery as well as a tummy tuck and possibly liposuction.
Silicone breasts before and after breastfeeding
Many people worry that breast implants they already have will cause problems with breastfeeding after giving birth, but this is rarely the case. If you had your breast surgery well before your pregnancy, they should not cause any problems. However, if you are wondering whether to have surgery before or after breastfeeding a newborn, the answer is clearer: you should always wait until you have finished breastfeeding before having breast augmentation.
The reason why you should wait to have surgery is simply because breastfeeding will also affect the appearance of your breasts. You will also not be able to continue breastfeeding your baby immediately after the surgery and your milk production may stop. Therefore, make the most of your time with your little one and wait until breastfeeding is complete. Only then will your body be ready to accept and adapt to your new breasts.
I am not going to breastfeed – can I have surgery earlier?
If you are unable or unwilling to breastfeed, you can have breast surgery earlier than women who are breastfeeding. However, it is still important that your body has healed properly after giving birth and that you have returned to a normal weight. When we gain weight during pregnancy, we usually get fuller breasts, but once the baby is out, it is not uncommon for them to return to their original weight again. Your breasts may then feel thinner and lose their shape.
Breast augmentation can help you regain your shape in a beautiful and natural way. If you have not yet lost the majority of your pregnancy pounds, it is best to wait. It is certainly possible to undergo weight changes while having silicone breasts, but major changes in weight can affect the final result.
Aftercare – breast augmentation after children
There are several reasons why it is recommended to wait until your body has recovered before undergoing breast augmentation. As previously mentioned, your body needs to heal in peace and quiet and you need to have important time with your new baby. There are also other factors that make silicone breasts after having children something you should not rush too much, namely the aftercare.
When you undergo breast surgery, you will receive very clear instructions on how to take care of yourself after surgery. For example, it is very important that you do not lift too heavy during the first few days and that you wear a support bra. Since many people experience pain and tenderness in the arms, armpits and chest, constantly carrying a small child is not recommended. As a recent surgery recipient, it will therefore be difficult for you to be able to give your child the closeness that she or he needs for a period of time. Just changing a diaper can feel difficult and painful when you are a recent surgery recipient.
Resuming breastfeeding after breast augmentation
Do you want to have breast surgery before you have finished breastfeeding your baby? Then it is important that you think carefully. Factors such as the placement of the implant, your body and your milk production are important to consider. After a breast augmentation, your milk production may be affected. Both breast tissue and milk ducts can be stretched or compressed during the surgery. This in turn can affect your milk flow.
Every body is unique and reacts differently to breast surgery. Some can resume breastfeeding after their breasts have healed, while others have more difficulty. Since there is no way to tell how it will be for you, it is always best to wait until you have finished breastfeeding.
Would you like to know more about breast augmentation after childbirth or other surgeries after pregnancy? Contact us here or book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. We are happy to answer your questions.
