Breast Lift, Implants, or Both? How to Restore Post-Pregnancy Breasts

Pregnancy can change the breasts in more than one way, which is why different surgeries are discussed for women who come into our office with concerns about this area. Some women want to address the loss of volume they see after childbirth and breastfeeding, while others have noticed more sagging and laxity since having children. 

At PURE Plastic Surgery, we see every patient as the unique individual that they are. Each surgery is planned on a case-by-case basis so the approach matches the patient’s anatomy and directly addresses the concerns they have. We will explain what each option can do for post-pregnancy breasts and how to determine which is right for you. 

How Do Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Change the Breasts?  

Natural Changes

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you likely noticed your breasts ebbing and flowing in size. Many women gain one to three cup sizes during pregnancy, and volume can shift noticeably over the course of a few hours while nursing. Although the skin of the breasts is impressive in its ability to stretch to accommodate these changes, fluctuations in size can leave stretch marks or cause the supporting structures to sag. 

Other Common Concerns

After pregnancy, it is common for the breasts to sit lower on the chest and to feel less full at the top. They may also appear longer or flatter than they did before pregnancy. Tissue changes don't always occur evenly on both sides, so this can create asymmetries or make existing imbalances more noticeable. 

The skin of the nipple and areola complex can also change due to pregnancy, becoming darker and more prominent. Areolas often become larger relative to the breast, and the nipples can point downward as a result of sagging. 

How Are These Concerns Addressed? 

Breast Lift

What Is a Breast Lift? 

This surgery, called a breast lift or mastopexy, raises and reshapes the breasts. This is done by adjusting the breast tissue and removing extra skin. A mastopexy can lift the breasts higher on the chest and make elongated breasts more round and firm again. It can also reposition the nipple to a higher position and reduce the size of the areola.

The Ideal Candidates for a Breast Lift

Patients who notice sagging and downward-facing nipples (or upward-facing nipples, also known as reverse ptosis), or who have stretched skin after pregnancy, may be good candidates for a breast lift. On its own, this breast enhancement surgery is best for those who are happy with the volume of their breasts but who want to restore a more youthful shape. 

What a Lift Doesn’t Do

A breast lift, while removing excess skin, cannot change the actual quality of the remaining skin. It also does not provide breast enlargement. The volume of the breasts will stay the same if not combined with implants. 

Typical Results and Longevity

A breast lift surgery is meant to provide lift and shape for years to come. However, the tissue of the breasts is still subject to the natural aging process. The longevity of breast lift surgery depends on the patient, but in general, it can be expected to last 10-15 years. 

Breast Augmentation With Implants

What Is Breast Augmentation? 

Breast augmentation is a surgery that increases the volume of the breasts. This is done by placing prosthetics called breast implants either in front of or behind the muscle. This is one of our most customizable breast enhancement procedures since there is a wide range of implant types to choose from. We offer silicone implants that provide a natural feel or saline implants for more upper pole volume and a smaller incision. You can also choose from a wide variety of sizes and profiles to match your anatomy and treatment goals. 

Ideal Candidate for Implants

Breast augmentation candidates are those who are more concerned about the size of their breasts than position. It can be right for those with naturally small breasts or those who have noticed a decrease in volume after pregnancy or weight loss. 

Read More: How to Choose Your Breast Implants

Results and Longevity

Once the swelling resolves in the breasts, you can begin to see your full breast augmentation results. Breast implants are durable and can last for around 10-15 years. However, there are factors that can impact longevity, and it is important to check saline breast implants regularly to make sure they are in good condition. You will need an MRI or other similar imaging every two years to make sure they have not ruptured. Saline ruptures are noticeable right away since the implant will immediately deflate. 

Combining Procedures

If you have concerns about breast position, shape and size, both of these procedures can be combined into one surgery. The same incision in the inframammary fold can be used to insert the implants and help lift the breast. Having both surgeries performed on the same day combines the two recovery periods into one and gives you a comprehensive result.  

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Evaluation Process

We will take time to review how pregnancy and breastfeeding have affected your breast volume and position and talk to you about the different strategies that can help restore them to a more youthful appearance. We will also assess other factors like nipple placement and breast symmetry and talk to you about the goals that you have for your breasts. 

Personalized Recommendations

Based on these conversations, we will make recommendations about breast enhancement procedures that fit your situation. We will talk about the realistic outcomes that you can expect from the surgery and what our recovery will be like. Then we will create your surgical plan and choose implants and incision locations. During the preparatory stage, we may also have you take before pictures so you can compare images once you have your final results. 

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

The consultation is also a good time to ask focused questions so you feel informed about your options and next steps. Topics you can clarify are:

• Whether a lift, implants, or both may be appropriate
• Expected recovery time and activity restrictions
• How scarring is managed and where incisions are placed
• Long-term considerations related to results and future changes

Find the Right Procedure for You With a Consultation in Miami, FL

Breast lift and implant options can both address post-pregnancy changes. At PURE Plastic Surgery, we apply Smart Aesthetics™ by evaluating everything from your proportions to long-term considerations so that we can find the best approach for you. We do this every day for our patients in Miami, FL. To learn more or take the next step, we invite you to schedule a consultation through our online form or call 305-230-4326.