How Soon After Pregnancy Can You Consider a Breast Lift?

Posted on February 18, 2024by Dr Carmen Munteanu FRACS (Plas)

Getting a Breast Lift after Pregnancy – Recommendations from Dr Carmen

Changes in breast shape and volume are common after pregnancy, leading some to consider cosmetic procedures like a breast lift. But when is the right time to get a breast lift after pregnancy?

In this blog, we’ll explore this question with insights from Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Carmen Munteanu.

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to Breast Lift Surgery – Mastopexy

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure aimed at raising and reshaping sagging breasts. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. It’s important to note that a breast lift doesn’t significantly change the size of your breasts. However, it can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction to achieve desired volume and shape.

Why Consider a Breast Lift After Pregnancy?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to significant changes in a woman’s breasts. These changes can include loss of volume, breast ptosis (sagging), and changes in the position of the nipples.

Changes in Breast Tissue and Skin Elasticity

During pregnancy, the breasts usually undergo enlargement as they prepare for milk production. This enlargement is not just due to increased breast tissue but also due to fat accumulation and fluid retention. After breastfeeding, when the milk-producing glands shrink back to their pre-pregnancy size, many women experience a noticeable decrease in breast volume. Additionally, the skin and ligaments that support the breast tissue may have stretched significantly, leading to a sagging appearance. This loss of elasticity can leave the breasts looking deflated and elongated, a condition medically known as breast ptosis.

Alteration in Nipple and Areola Position

Along with changes in breast size and shape, there can also be a noticeable alteration in the position and size of the nipples and areolas. They may become enlarged, stretched, and positioned lower on the breast.

Restoring Symmetry

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also lead to asymmetry in the breasts, where one breast may appear larger or more sagged than the other. This asymmetry can be challenging to correct through natural means like exercise or diet. A breast lift can help in achieving better symmetry, giving a more balanced and proportionate appearance to the breasts.

Long-Lasting Results

While no surgical procedure can stop the ageing process, the results of a breast lift are generally long-lasting. It’s important to maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle to preserve the results of the surgery.

Combining with Other Procedures

For some women, a breast lift alone may not achieve their desired aesthetic. In such cases, the procedure can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction to add volume or decrease breast size, respectively.

When to Get a Breast Lift after Pregnancy

Deciding on the perfect time for a breast lift after pregnancy is a crucial aspect of the process. Understanding the importance of timing can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. Here are some aspects to consider before scheduling your breast lift surgery:

Body Stabilisation

After childbirth, your body undergoes a series of natural changes as it works to return to its pre-pregnancy state. This period of transition is characterised by fluctuations in weight and hormonal balances, which can significantly affect the breasts. It’s important to allow your body sufficient time to stabilise before considering any form of cosmetic surgery, including a breast lift.

During pregnancy, the body accumulates extra fat and fluid to support the growing baby, and this weight doesn’t disappear immediately after childbirth. Gradual weight loss is healthier and more sustainable, but it can also lead to changes in breast size and shape. Opting for a breast lift before your weight has stabilised might result in less satisfactory results if your breasts change further after the procedure.

Moreover, hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy can also affect the breast tissues. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which are high during pregnancy, start to decrease after childbirth and return to normal levels once breastfeeding has ceased. These hormonal changes can impact the firmness and elasticity of the breast tissue, influencing the outcome of a breast lift.

Breastfeeding Considerations

Breastfeeding is another significant factor to consider when planning the timing of your breast lift. Nursing causes changes in the size and shape of the breasts as they enlarge and reduce in response to milk production and feeding schedules. These fluctuations can continue as long as you are breastfeeding, and it’s advisable to wait until you have completely finished nursing (and a few months after) before undergoing a breast lift.

This waiting period ensures that your breast size has stabilised and is no longer subject to the enlargement associated with milk production. Undergoing a breast lift while still breastfeeding could not only affect the aesthetic results but might also complicate the breastfeeding process itself.

Healing and Recovery

Childbirth is a major event for the body, and it requires time to heal fully. This healing process is not just physical but also emotional. Rushing into surgery too soon after delivery can be taxing both physically and emotionally. Your body needs time to recover from the stress of childbirth before it can handle the stress of surgery and the subsequent recovery period.

Recommended Waiting Period

Dr Carmen typically recommends a waiting period of at least 6 months to a year after you have finished breastfeeding. This timeframe is suggested to ensure that your breasts have settled into their post-pregnancy and post-breastfeeding state. This stability is crucial for assessing the true extent of changes in your breasts and for planning a surgery that will provide the most beneficial and long-lasting results.

This waiting period also allows for a more accurate assessment of your breast size and shape, leading to a more tailored surgical approach. It’s important to remember that each woman’s body is unique, and the recovery process can vary. Some may find that their bodies stabilise sooner, while others may need more time.

Preparing for a Breast Lift

Consultation with Dr Carmen

The first step in your journey is a detailed consultation with Dr Carmen. During this consultation, Dr Carmen will discuss your medical history, your expectations, and the desired outcome. She will also conduct a thorough physical examination to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Physical and Emotional Considerations

It’s essential to be physically healthy and at a stable weight before undergoing a breast lift. Emotional readiness is also crucial. Adjusting to life with a new baby can be challenging, and it’s important to ensure you’re mentally prepared for surgery and the recovery process.

Practical Arrangements

Planning for the recovery period is vital. You’ll need help with childcare and household tasks, especially in the first few weeks post-surgery. It’s also important to consider the timing of the procedure in relation to your child-rearing responsibilities.

Breast Lift Surgery – What to Expect

A breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure can take between two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Dr Carmen will make incisions, lift and reshape the breast tissue, reposition the nipple and areola, and remove excess skin.

Dr Carmen utilises various techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. These can include the ‘anchor’ incision, the ‘lollipop’ incision, or other less invasive methods, depending on the degree of lift required and the patient’s individual anatomy.

Sometimes adding fat to the breasts after undergoing a certain process can be beneficial, Dr Carmen will advise you at the initial consultation.

After the surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions. You’ll need to wear a support bra to minimise swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Dr Carmen will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Recovery time can vary, but most women can return to work and light activities within a couple of weeks. However, complete healing and fading of scars can take several months to one year, sometimes longer. It’s crucial to follow Dr Carmen’s advice regarding activity levels and bra support during this period.

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. A breast lift can significantly improve breast shape and position, but it won’t change your breast size significantly or stop the effects of ageing.

FAQs about Breast Lift after Pregnancy

Can a breast lift correct asymmetry caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes, a breast lift can address asymmetry in the breasts, which is a common issue after pregnancy and breastfeeding. During the procedure, adjustments can be made to improve symmetry in terms of size, shape, and nipple position. It’s important to discuss your specific concerns with Dr Carmen so she can tailor the procedure to your needs.

Is it possible to combine a breast lift with other post-pregnancy body contouring procedures?

Absolutely. Many women choose to combine a breast lift with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty or liposuction. This combination, often referred to as a post-pregnancy surgery can be more cost-effective. However, it’s crucial to discuss your health and goals with Dr Carmen to determine the best approach for you.

How long should I wait after a breast lift to get pregnant again?

While a breast lift doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant, it’s generally advisable to wait until you are done having children before undergoing the procedure. Pregnancy after a breast lift can alter the results of the surgery, as the breasts undergo changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you’re planning to have more children, discuss this with Dr Carmen during your consultation.

Will a breast lift affect my ability to breastfeed in the future?

A breast lift can interfere with your ability to breastfeed, but it can depend on the specific technique used. Some techniques may involve repositioning the nipple and areola, which can potentially affect breastfeeding. If future breastfeeding is a concern, make sure to discuss this with Dr Carmen so they can plan the surgery accordingly.

What kind of scarring should I expect from a breast lift, and how can I minimise it?

Scarring is a natural outcome of a breast lift, but the extent and visibility of scars depend on the surgical technique used and your body’s healing process. Common incision patterns include around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. Post-surgery, following Dr Carmen’s care instructions, using scar minimisation treatments, and protecting scars from the sun can help reduce their appearance.

Medical References about Breast Lift

Breast lift – Mayo Clinic
Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) – BAAPS
Breast Lift with and without Implant
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Surgery & Recovery
Breast Lift – Cosmetic Surgery – Stanford Medicine