Should I Get Breast Implants Before or After Having a Baby?
Breast augmentation is one of the most widely performed plastic surgery procedures. Breast augmentation increases breast size and enhances breast shape, giving patients the more aesthetically pleasing contours they desire. The procedure has a proven record of safety and success.
When considering surgical enhancement, women often wonder if it is ideal to undergo breast augmentation before or after having a baby. Dr. Joseph Brown of SynergyMD Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, discusses the best possible timing of breast augmentation with patients and helps them decide the most appropriate time for surgery.
Are Breast Implants Safe During Pregnancy?
Safety is the most important factor to consider when determining if a woman should undergo breast augmentation before having a baby. Fortunately, breast implants do not pose a risk during pregnancy. It is considered completely safe to have breast implants while pregnant.
We should also note that pregnancy does not pose a risk to breast implants. Changing hormone levels and breast tissue growth (both natural during pregnancy) do not compromise breast implants. Implants can withstand the changes that occur during pregnancy without deflating, rupturing, or leaking.
Can I Breastfeed if I Have Breast Implants?
Many women also wonder if they can breastfeed with breast implants. It is safe to breastfeed with implants, and many women can do so without any issues. However, it depends on the location of the breast augmentation incision and breast implant. Breast implants that sit above the chest muscle and surgical techniques that completely detach the areola and nipple may lower milk production.
Why Should I Consider Waiting Until After Childbirth to Undergo Breast Augmentation?
Breast implants are not a safety risk for the mother or child during pregnancy, and many women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed their baby. Still, when possible, we recommend that our Tampa patients wait until after having children to undergo breast augmentation.
The body and the breasts experience a lot during pregnancy and often do not look the same after childbirth. If women breastfeed, their breasts may change even more. The breasts do not always return to their former size, position, or shape after breastfeeding is over, and this could alter breast augmentation results. Women can get more successful and stable surgical results if they have breast augmentation after having children.
How Long Should I Wait for Breast Augmentation After Having a Baby?
Women may be understandably excited to undergo breast augmentation after they see the way their breasts change in response to pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is not a good idea for women to rush into treatment immediately after childbirth. It takes time for hormones and breast tissues to settle. Ideally, our Tampa patients should wait at least three months after they stop breastfeeding (or until breast size and shape are stable) to have a breast augmentation.
Contact Us
Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts, helping women to feel confident and beautiful. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation and whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure, contact our plastic surgery practice and schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Brown.