Growing and nourishing a child with their bodies is an extremely satisfying, life-changing experience for women. However, it is completely normal for new moms to feel like their bodies no longer reflect how they see themselves. Postpartum recovery looks different for every woman, but it’s common for women to experience sagging, flattened breasts when they are no longer lactating.
Breastfeeding and pregnancy tend to stretch, alter and shift your natural breast tissue. For some women, the tissue may revert to more or less its original shape. For many women, however, this is not the case. If your breasts look stretched-out, asymmetrical, misshapen or flat, or your nipples point “south” now, then you’re likely a good candidate for breast rejuvenation.
According to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, nearly 200,000 women received breast implants and over 87,000 women got breast lifts in 2020, so you are not alone.
Which Type of Breast Enhancement is Right for Me?
Ultimately, the decision about which breast rejuvenation surgeries will be best for you will come from a consultation with a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon.
He or she will ask about your medical history, your aesthetic goals and whether you plan to have additional children. Consulting with a reputable plastic surgeon will give you an expert opinion based on your unique body.
Some women only need a breast lift, and others may only need implants. However, many women choose a combined procedure that involves both lifting and augmentation for maximum results.
What Can I Expect from Breast Rejuvenation Procedures?
Breast lifts are best if you’re happy with the overall volume of your breasts but want a firmer, more lifted appearance.
For a breast lift, your surgeon will make a small incision around the areola, down the breast and often also in the fold of the breasts. (This pattern of incisions is sometimes called an “anchor” pattern.) From these incisions,, your natural breast tissue can be lifted, shaped, repositioned and contoured so that the final result looks firm and perky.
The surgeon will also remove excess skin during this procedure and reposition your nipples to look natural and in proportion with your new breasts.
Women who want more fullness and cleavage typically opt for breast augmentation. During breast augmentation, the surgeon will place your chosen implant either behind the breast tissue or pectoral muscle to achieve the extra lift and cleavage desired.
How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Getting Breast Rejuvenation?
In general, board-certified plastic surgeons tell new moms that they should wait at least six months before considering any kind of invasive surgery. Your body needs plenty of time to recover completely from childbirth.
Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, it’s recommended to wait at least eight weeks or more before getting breast enhancement surgery. Once you stop lactating, your breast tissue needs time to readjust and “settle” so that your surgeon can give you the best possible results.
It is also important to note that your surgeon might recommend waiting on surgery if you plan to become pregnant again in the next year or so. It’s generally safe to undergo these procedures if you’re planning to have more children, but your end results may suffer if your breasts stretch during future pregnancies and lactation.
One final note is that you will typically achieve the best results if you are already at a stable postpartum weight. If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, your surgeon may recommend postponing surgery. This allows you to get the best possible results that will match your new body.
You Deserve to Look as Radiant and Beautiful as You Feel
Motherhood is a true joy and a time to be cherished. However, if your outward appearance no longer matches your inner vision of yourself, then breast rejuvenation might be the right move for you.