You may be considering breast augmentation in Houston, TX, and have a lot of questions. Some women have implants done alongside abreast lift or liposuction after pregnancy to help redefine their shape. Ask questions and learn all about the possibilities and recovery for post-pregnancy procedures when you schedule a consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta, a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon.

If you’re thinking about having another child, one of your concerns may be about the effect pregnancy has on breast implants and what will happen to breast implants after breastfeeding. You’ll want to discuss this with Dr. Lapuerta, who can provide his trusted opinion based on years of experience – and in the meantime, the Look Younger team has put together some useful information to get started on your learning journey.

The Impact of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Breasts

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, and many women find they look quite different after they’ve had a baby. Beyond just giving birth, other facets of pregnancy can have an impact – breastfeeding, for example, often changes the breasts. While they will likely increase in size and volume during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, they may not be as full and voluptuous afterward as you wean your little one.

Many women notice that their breasts sag or look deflated after they finish breastfeeding. The flow of milk can cause the skin on the breasts to stretch out and the tissue may shift, which creates that flattened appearance.

Breast augmentation can bring back the fullness and shape that you had before pregnancy or even create a new look you’ve always wished for. Implants are commonly known for their popularity in increasing the size of breasts, but they are just as common for their ability to restore volume and shape. Many women opt to have a breast augmentation with a breast lift to create that perky look that indicates youthfulness. Having breast implants after pregnancy and nursing is a terrific way for women to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies.

Getting Pregnant After Implants

Many women choose to have a breast augmentation done after they have finished having children. They may schedule the procedure as part of a Mommy makeover that enhances their shape, which changed after pregnancy. However, you may find that you’re pregnant with an unplanned blessing after having augmentation and wonder how that will impact your shape and your ability to breastfeed.

Breast implants are generally resilient and resist the tendency to deflate or change shape. Weight gain or changes to the body during pregnancy are not likely to cause a rupture. If your first concern is safety, you can relax knowing that your implants will most likely stay where they have been all this time.

That being said, your breasts are still going to change during pregnancy. They will expand just like normal and contract, which can cause them to sag or change shape even though you have implants. If you’re concerned about how breast implants look after pregnancy, they will retain their size even though the breast may look different.

Breastfeeding with Implants

Another concern you may have is whether you can breastfeed your baby with implants. The short answer is yes, but there may be some challenges, depending on how the surgery was performed. The implants don’t impact the milk ducts, which allows you to breastfeed. However, some situations resulting from an augmentation may make breastfeeding more challenging.

For instance, some of your milk ducts may have been cut if the incision for the implants was made across the areolae. If they are placed right under the glandular tissue, it can reduce the amount of milk you’re able to produce. In these scenarios, there is no guarantee that you will have any problems breastfeeding, but there is more risk.

Another issue is if the nerves around your nipple were damaged during the surgery. You may not be able to feel the baby sucking. This can create an issue because the nerves cause the hormone prolactin to be released and oxytocin which causes milk production and letdown of the milk.

If you think you may decide to have another baby in the future or just be concerned about the possibility, you should talk to your surgeon during your consultation. They can determine the method to use for inserting the implants to help prevent issues should you become pregnant and wish to breastfeed.

After Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Once you have had your baby and finished breastfeeding, you may wonder if your breasts will be droopy or flat and if the implants need to be replaced. You should be prepared for a difference in breasts before and after pregnancy. The good news is that your implants should maintain their shape even after breastfeeding. However, the other part of your breasts may change, which might require a breast lift to restore their shape.

You may also decide to replace the implants with larger ones after pregnancy. This can help restore the youthful perkiness of your breasts after breastfeeding.

Should You Wait to Get Breast Implants After Pregnancy and Nursing?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on your personal goals for your body. If you’re young and want to increase the size of your breasts while waiting several years to have kids, now is a great time to have a breast augmentation and enjoy your new look.

If you’re planning to start your family right away or finish with one last-child, it might be better to wait for the surgery. You won’t need to worry about changes in your breasts after breastfeeding and pregnancy once you have the procedure. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.

Schedule a Consultation for Breast Augmentation

If you’re considering breast implants and are concerned about how they might affect a future pregnancy, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. He has been performing breast surgeries for over two decades, along with other surgeries, such as BBL in Houston. If you plan to have any kind of body contouring in Houston, discuss the procedure with him and get your questions answered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.