How long should I wait after breastfeeding before I undergo a breast lift?

Sort: Date | Helpful
15 answers to “How long should I wait after...”

A: Breast Lift Surgery after Breast Feeding

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Breast feeding and lactation may artificially increase breast volume and dimensions because of the hormonal response of the breast parenchyma during that period. Most surgeons would recommend waiting 6 months after breast feeding before performing breast contouring surgery.

A: How long should I wait after breastfeeding before I undergo a breast lift?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

The idea is that we do not want to operate on a breast that is still decreasing in size for the best results, we want the breast size and shape to reach a stable state.  While different numbers are thrown about, most women reach that point approximately 4-6 months after stopping breast feeding. Good Luck... more

A: Ensure that your breasts have gotten back to baseline before you have surgery

Lavinia Chong, MD

I generally recommend patients wait 3-6 months after finishing breast feeding so that your body has had a chance to adjust from the hormonal changes as well as eliminate excess fat.  The most important issue to manage is to ensure that milk production has ceased because the presence of protein rich fluid,... more

A: Reasonable to wait three months after breast feeding for Lift

Sanjay Grover, MD

Thee months is a reasonable amount of time to wait for a breast lift following the cessation of nursing. This allows the breasts to 'normalize' and involute/atrophy to their final size. Additoinally, it allow the body adequate time to normalize hormonally.

A: Breast Lift after Breast Feeding

Daniel Reichner, MD

Amandan I recommend that you wait 2 to 3 months after you stop breast feeding and lactating.  This is usually enough time for the milk glands to shrink and the breast size to stabilize.  This allows your surgeon to obtain the best results.

A: Breast Lift ideal six months after breast feeding

Sutton Graham II, MD

Amandan, We frequently get this question in our practice.  The changes that your breasts go through with pregnancy and breast-feeding resolve gradually over a period of time.  As we all know, not all changes go away no matter how long you wait.  Patients have noted continuing decrease in size... more

A: No set answer for breast lift after breast feeding

Scott E. Kasden, MD

There isn't a one right answer. I like the patient to wait about 6 months, or at least until the milk is dry. I would like to see that the shape and size of the breast is stable, and there are no infections or other issues that may impact the surgery or outcome.

A: Until your breasts are stable

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Certainly wait until your milk dries up but also your weight is stable and your lifestyle ( i.e. exercise, habits, diet) is stable, generally at least 3-6 months. The more stable the size and shape of your breasts, the more accurately a particular technique can be applied, and the more predictable the... more

A: Wait 4 months after there is absolutely no more milk.

George J. Beraka, MD

To amandan, Hi!  You want all of your hormones to return to normal, and you want to see exactly what damage to your breasts the pregnancy and breast feeding have caused. Some women need a small reduction as well as a lift, and others need implants together with a lift.  The lift needs to be performed... more

A: Breastlift after breast feeding

Barry H. Dolich, MD

To my knowledge, there is no hard and fast answer. The peurperal period is defined by the hormonal changes following the birth and breast feeding of an infant and can last as long as 6 mos. I like to wait 6 months for the vascularity and lactiferous changes in the breast to subside to fascilitate surgery and... more

Post your question

Breast lift before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.