Change in the composition and look of a woman’s breasts is one of the common side effects of pregnancy, and this is true whether or not you breastfeed. Many women breast implants after pregnancy for a multiple of cosmetic or medical reasons, but mainly to return their breasts to post-childbearing status. Before you decide on a post-pregnancy look for your chest, check out these five facts about breast implants after pregnancy.

1. You should wait at least six months after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The first three months following the birth of a baby are known as the fourth trimester, in part because previously pregnant moms continue to battle hormones and deal with major changes within their bodies. While many of these issues begin to settle down after three months, it can take a full six months on average for your body to somewhat return to a state of normalcy. This means your breasts may continue to go through changes, too. If you breastfeed, this period of hormonal change can extend until six months after you stop breastfeeding.

Giving your body time to heal and recover after pregnancy and breastfeeding boosts the chance of a positive outcome for your breast augmentation. It also lets you fully assess the new shape of your breasts so you know what type of augmentation you might want. Read more about breastfeeding after breast implants.

2. Breast implants after pregnancy don’t necessarily mean you can’t breastfeed in the future.

Of course, women know better than anyone else that biology doesn’t always stay true to life plans. Depending on when you seek a breast augmentation, there could be a possibility that you might become pregnant in the years following the procedure even if you didn’t plan for it at the time. The good news is that breast implants typically don’t interfere with your ability to breastfeed.

In cases where someone gets breast implants for augmentation purposes, it’s actually fairly rare that the mechanisms and glands that deliver breast milk are greatly impacted. Some exceptions do occur, such as if someone had a lot of the breast tissue removed in a mastectomy.

Some women with breast implants are unable to breastfeed or find themselves having to supplement with formula, but that’s true of women without breast implants, too. The numbers don’t tend to increase substantially for those who have had previous augmentations.

3. Studies are inconclusive on the impact of silicone implants on children.

The Federal Drug Administration does note that studies on whether silicone breast implants impact breastfeeding children are inconclusive. The FDA notes that there aren’t any established methods to accurately measure the level of silicone in breast milk, so it could be possible that a small amount of silicone could pass through. At the same time, studies measuring silicon indicated that breast implants did not cause a higher concentration of the element in milk received by breastfeeding infants. In short: as of now, the studies seem to indicate that any silicon levels are similar to those found in milk from moms without augmentation.

The FDA has also noted that studies don’t seem to indicate any damaging birth effects of breast implants on children born to mothers who had previous breast augmentation.

Here is additional information on silicone vs. saline implants.

4. You can choose from numerous augmentation options.

When considering breast implants after pregnancy, women should realize they have many options. Depending on the size and shape of your breasts, the number of pregnancies you’ve gone through and what changes occurred, you might need implants only to firm up and reshape your breasts. It’s also possible that you might want implants and a lift.

By being open with your plastic surgeon, you can best understand all your options and how each type of augmentation can help you reach your goals for how you want your breasts to look. You also don’t have to aim for the same look you had pre-pregnancy; post-pregnancy breast implants can be a great time to make changes to size or shape that you’ve always wanted.

5. Pregnancy doesn’t increase the chance of complications or issues with implants.

Finally, if you do become pregnant after having breast augmentation surgery, know that pregnancy doesn’t usually cause any issues with your breast implants. Always tell your OB/GYN and any other medical providers about your implants as a precautionary measure, and if you have any concerns about your implants during pregnancy, talk to your plastic surgeon for guidance and reassurance. He or she may have some advice on how best to maintain your implants, but in most cases, your pregnancy won’t be impacted by your implants and vice versa.

What are the next steps? Consult with a professional.

After considering the facts, risks and benefits, taking the next step towards your ideal post-pregnancy breasts may be in your plans. Everyone’s situation is different in terms of the size, shape and overall look of your breasts after pregnancy. For this reason, plastic surgeon about your desire for breast implants after pregnancy is a necessary step to get a better idea of what augmentation option is safest and most desirable for you.

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Dr. Cohen

About Dr. Cohen

Dr. Cohen specializes in breast lifts, augmentations, revisions and reductions as well as breast cancer reconstructions. A long time dream of Dr. Cohen’s was to travel to developing countries and provide expert surgical care to those who have no other possible access to medical care. This became a reality in 2007 when she became a founding member and Vice President of ISMS Operation Kids.