Breast implants create volume in the breasts, giving them a more youthful and attractive appearance. Many women get this type of surgery because it boosts their self-confidence, but some are concerned about the impact that breast augmentation will have on their pregnancy, or vice versa. Breast implants come in two main categories, and these are silicone implants or saline implants.
Both types come in a wide variety of different sizes and shapes, and are designed to provide both volume and proportion. Some women aren’t sure if they should get breast implants before or after they have a child, but in most cases it is best to get these implants before you become pregnant, as implants can alleviate some of the volume reduction that will occur after your baby has been born. Because each woman is different, the effects of pregnancy on their bodies can differ widely, with some women having significant changes while others have virtually none.
Each Woman is Different
It is first important to understand that both breastfeeding and pregnancy will affect different women in different ways. The experience that one woman has can be dramatically different from another. However, during pregnancy the breasts of most women will become larger and swollen. The volume of the breasts will experience a reduction in size once breastfeeding stops.
Not only does pregnancy not affect the appearance of most augmented breasts, there are some advantages that may be gained. Breasts which are augmented before pregnancy will provide greater resistance to the reduction in volume that may occur. At the same time, after the pregnancy your breasts may not return to the appearance they maintained before. The breasts may droop more, and there may also be increased laxity. The changes which occur to the breasts after pregnancy depend on the changes that have occurred in the woman’s body overall. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to predict the physiological changes that will occur in a woman’s body during and after her pregnancy.
Post Pregnancy Breast Changes can be Corrected
If your breasts display considerable drooping or laxity after your pregnancy, a surgical technique known as breast lift can be used to correct them. This will return your breasts to the shape, size and appearance that they maintained before your pregnancy. A breast lift can be performed in a number of different ways. For most women an incision will be made near the nipple or areola, while other women will need an anchor scar incision. The breast lift is popular among women who have recently been pregnant because it gives their breasts a feminine and shapelier appearance.
Because each woman is different in regards to her pregnancy, good plastic surgeons don’t use a “one size fits all” approach when assisting them. The body of each woman is unique as is their aesthetic desires. No matter what incision is used for breast lift, the surgery will be performed in a manner where the scarring can be hidden, and patients can recover from the surgery in about two weeks, with healing taking approximately ninety days.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
