There is a myriad of articles touting the benefits of breastfeeding over bottle feeding for infants. In addition to the obvious nutritional benefits, it allows for mother and baby to bond more tightly. Breastfeeding also has benefits for the mother. Breastfeeding can burn calories, and will help new mothers shed remaining pregnancy weight.

Unfortunately, the breasts will also return to their pre-pregnancy size once the baby is fully weaned. These shrunken breasts after pregnancy can be particular discouraging for women who had smaller breasts before becoming pregnant, as they may hope that their larger breasts will stay that way once they are through with breastfeeding. Fortunately, Dr. Paul Pin has a great deal of experience working with women who wish to restore the fullness of their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Why Do the Breasts Sag after Breastfeeding?

Because breast skin is very delicate, it may not shrink with the breast muscle and tissue, leaving the mother with saggy, deflated breasts. This condition is known as breast drooping or ptosis. It can be particularly noticeable in the upper breast, which will lose fullness once breastfeeding is complete.

In some cases, the nipple may also change position such that the sagging in the breasts is even further emphasized. In cases where the nipple has shifted to below the inframammary crease (the point on the underside of the breast where the bottom of the breast meets the chest wall), Dr. Pin recommends a breast lift in conjunction with augmentation. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a breast lift will be needed if the nipples are not vertically aligned with the midpoint between the shoulder and the elbow.

Breastfeeding after Breast Augmentation

Although most patients may not plan to become pregnant again after a breast augmentation procedure, they may change their minds about another child at a later date. If patients think they may want another child later on, they should discuss this with Dr. Pin at the time of their initial surgical consultation. As a general rule, a breast augmentation procedure that goes in through either the armpit or through the inframammary crease will be far less likely to affect the milk ducts and glands behind the nipple than will an augmentation that goes through the areola (the area of darkened skin around the nipple). In fact, the inframammary crease procedure is the most common one used overall for breast augmentation procedures.

Having a baby marks an important change in a woman's life. Along with that comes certain changes to the body once the baby is born. However, there is no reason women cannot have the body they had prior to becoming pregnant. Dr. Pin can help them gain back that look by adding volume to the breasts with implants, or lifting the breasts and nipples. To schedule a breast augmentation or breast lift consultation, contact Dr. Pin's practice today. He will examine your breasts and discuss your aesthetic goals to help him formulate a treatment plan that best suits your unique needs.