Do you want to change the way your breasts look? Are you concerned that getting pregnant may alter your breast implants and overall results? Every woman is different in how pregnancy and having children will change her body. Whether you have small breasts or simply want to change the way they look, breast implants can help. However, making an informed decision and knowing when the time is right for you is an integral part of the process.
The more you know, the better you feel about making this change for your body. Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev are board-certified plastic surgeons at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery who help Long Island, NY area women with breast augmentation. Read on for helpful information from North Shore Cosmetic Surgery about the timing of breast augmentation, including the answer to a common question often asked by women during their consultation, which is, "Should breast augmentation occur before or after pregnancy?"
What happens to a woman's breasts after pregnancy?
A woman's natural breasts will grow or become engorged during pregnancy. Even small-chested women experience some increase in breast volume during pregnancy. The breast is comprised of glandular tissue and fat, so it will change in size and shape. Hormones and weight gain are common contributors to how a woman's breasts may change over the course of nine months. When the pregnancy is over, and breastfeeding is done, the breasts will go back, but women may experience less volume, leaving breasts that look deflated. However, every woman responds differently, and various factors affect how her body will respond, such as:
- Body type
- Fluctuating weight
- Genetics
- Pregnancy involving multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Lifestyle choices
Will pregnancy affect my breast implants?
It is unpredictable how a woman's breasts, with or without implants, will respond to pregnancy, especially for first-time moms. Some women may experience no changes, regardless of how many pregnancies, while others may see a change in breast size or shape. Since it is unpredictable and not uncommon for women to experience a loss of volume or deflated breast tissue post-pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is generally advised for patients to keep that aspect in mind when considering breast implants. Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure and can help Long Island, NY area women feel more confident about their appearance. If a woman is unhappy with her natural breasts but unsure about when she will be starting a family, it shouldn't be the only reason to delay moving forward with breast augmentation surgery.
Is breastfeeding with implants possible?
Women can rest assured that breastfeeding with breast implants is still possible when considering this cosmetic surgery prior to having children. As long as patients are upfront and share their interest in being pregnant afterward, a surgical plan can be devised by Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev to place the breast implants under the breast muscle to lessen the risk of impacting the milk ducts. However, studies show women with breast implants may incur more breastfeeding problems than women without them. It doesn't mean women with breast implants can't breastfeed, but it may be more difficult or predispose them to the occurrence of breast infections, like mastitis.
It is generally recommended for women to wait to have breast augmentation surgery until they are finished having children. In some cases, women want to add more volume and shape with breast implants before having children to feel more confident about how they look. Either choice, before or after pregnancy, is entirely reasonable and a personal decision for each individual. There is no right or wrong answer, and working with experts like board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev is the best way to put your mind at ease. Contact the office of North Shore Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY and schedule a consultation to learn more about breast augmentation, getting you one step closer to achieving the look you desire.
