Should I get a Breast Lift to Correct Postpartum Breast Changes?

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. Still, it goes without saying that pregnancy takes a toll on the body. From loose skin, stretch marks, and sagging breasts, these necessary changes can leave you longing for your youthful figure. While these changes may make you feel unattractive, there are ways to get your confidence back. Today on the blog, trusted New York City plastic surgeon, Dr. Aviva Preminger, talks about postpartum breast changes and how a breast lift may be the solution.

Breasts change during pregnancy

As early as one week after conception, the female’s breasts change due to hormonal changes as progesterone and estrogen levels soar. Swelling of the breasts may be experienced throughout pregnancy partly because the breasts make room for milk production and an increase in blood flow. Additionally, nipple color, size, and shape may also change. The increase in breast volume can weigh as much as two pounds per breast. That may not sound like much weight, but it’s the cause of breast sagging, lost volume, and stretch marks.

Postpartum breast chances

By your 40^th week of pregnancy, your breasts are gearing up to feed the baby if you choose to breastfeed. Even if you decide to bottle feed, your milk supply will still come in, which adds to breast fullness and sometimes engorgement. It may take a few weeks for your milk supply to level out with your baby’s needs. Eventually, as you wean your baby, or if you choose to bottle feed exclusively, your milk supply dries up, breast tissue collapses, and mammary glands shrink to a dormant state. Enter sagging breasts that almost every mother experiences postpartum.

Solution for postpartum breast changes

Mothers experiencing sagging, flat or droopy breasts following pregnancy may seek solutions by searching online for a magic potion or lotion to restore youthful breasts. Unfortunately, there aren’t any topical creams that will deliver the results you want. In most cases, plastic surgery is the best option for correcting postpartum breast changes. A breast lift removes excess, stretched-out skin while tightening the breast tissue. The surgery can also involve repositioning downward-pointing nipples or elongate the nipples for a more youthful look. Many women seeking a breast lift after pregnancy also choose to get implants as well. Still, breast augmentation may not be necessary in every case.

Combining a breast lift with implants

If you want to not only lift your breasts but enhance their size, then consider asking your surgeon about combining a breast lift with breast augmentation. Dr. Preminger offers traditional silicone and saline implants, as well as Gummy Bear implants. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, schedule a consultation today. Dr. Preminger will discuss the pros and cons of each implant type so that you can make the choice that’s right for you.

What to expect with a breast lift

A breast lift is usually an outpatient surgery that takes about two to three hours to complete under general anesthesia. Risks, although rare, may include bleeding, pain, infection, and asymmetry, which is why choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. Be prepared for about two weeks of downtime before returning to work. Light exercise can be resumed about two weeks following surgery, although you should put off strenuous activity for about six weeks. Swelling and bruising may take 8-12 weeks to resolve, although results are long-lasting.

Get a breast lift in Manhattan or New York City

If you’re interested in getting a breast lift after pregnancy or want to find out if you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Preminger by calling (212) 706-1900 today. Dr. Preminger is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a boutique practice located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.