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Will Pregnancy Ruin my Breast Implants?

asked 3 years ago by Jayda in uk
Latest answer by Brian Howard, MD
Question viewed 76,063 times
Tags: pregnancy

I had breast enlargement surgery 15 months ago, I am pregnant again and am wondering if  this will ruin my breast implants? I had the implant under the muscle but I am worried I will regain that saggy look again.

38 answers to Will Pregnancy Ruin my Breast Implants?

+5

The implants will be fine - but your breasts may change

Pregnancy will have no effect on the integrity of your implants. So there is no need to worry about that. But the stretching and shrinking of the breast tissue during pregnancy and breast feeding may cause changes that could require some future surgery. Either bigger implants or a lift may be in your future. But MAYBE NOT! So you need to not worry, have a safe and healthy pregnancy, and visit with your plastic surgeon after all is done and discuss these issues. By that time, you will... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+5

The Ancient Implant Ruins

During and after pregnancy your breast implants themselves will remain unchanged. What may change is your breast tissue. Lactating (milk producing) breast tissue enlarges and stretches the skin. When the breast stops producing milk the breast tissue will shrink down. Whether the skin is capable of shrinking down as well depends on many factors, such as your age, inherent skin quality, smoking, sun exposure, the amount of breast tissue enlargement. So, unfortunately, you will not know... more
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

+5

There are many variables that may affect your appearance after another baby

There are many variables that may affect the final appearnace of the breast after another baby. These are similar to the considerations for how much your abdominal skin and contour will recover. How many pregnancies, how much did the skin of the breast stretch during pregnancy or breast feeding, pre -existing stretch marks, the size of the implants, history of smoking? All of these and more can affect the natural remaining elasticity of the breast skin. Wearing a good support bra may help... more
John E. Gross, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+4

The effect of pregnancy on breast implants result.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Pregnancy does not effect the breast implant but can effect the result of your breast augmentation. During pregnancy the breast becomes engorged with milk and after breast feeding is finished the breast gland atrophies or becomes smaller. The breast skin is often left stretched and can sag after the gland has become smaller. Typically the breast implant does not sag along with the breast so that after pregnancy the breast implant stays in position but... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+4

Your implants will be fine

During and after pregnancy your implants will remain the same. However, there is a chance that your breast tissue may change. Since you have been pregnant before, you are aware of all the changes your body goes through, especially the changes your breast go through during pregnancy and after breast feeding. Unfortunately there is no way for a physician to determine if you will get that saggy look again until after you have had your baby and you are done breast feeding. I wish you a... more
Chia Chi Kao, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Will pregnancy ruin my breast implants?

Pregnancy will not have any actual effect on the implants, but the skin will stretch and there may be some sagging. But that depends on genetics and luck. The bigger the implants the more likely, I think, for the stretching of pregnancy to be increased. Consider that many women get breast implants for the first time after pregnancy, and they do not need a lift. The Mommy Makeover often includes breast augmentation as well as tummy tuck, but not necessarily a lift. Some... more
Robert M. Lowen, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

www.enhanced-you.com

+2

Tough Question-But, You Can Look for Clues to Help You Decide!

Breasts are a moving target!  They change throughout your life!  Three things might happen after your pregnancy: your breasts might get smaller (very common), get bigger (common, especially with weight gain), or stay the same (sometimes).  How do you know?  No one can predict what will happen to you, but you can make a reasonable judgement.  Look at your female family members for clues.  What happened to your Mom or Grandma?  What happened to your... more
Claudio DeLorenzi, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+2

Pregnancy and Breast Implants

Pregnancy will not ruin your breast implants. It may alter the appearance of your breasts. Some breasts will not change in appearance while some breasts have significant changes requiring future surgery. It all depends on how your breast tissue and skin stretch and retract. I have a significant number patients who, after pregnancy, feel their breasts look more natural because of the subtle changes that have occurred.
Arthur Cambeiro, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Effect pregnancy has on implants varies from woman to woman

When you become pregnant, your breasts go through changes due to the hormonal fluxes in your body—they enlarge, and sometimes change shape. In some rare cases, these changes are permanent, and pregnancy can actually leave you with fuller breasts. Generally, however, these changes are temporary, and last only until you have stopped breast-feeding your baby, after which point your breasts will go back to a smaller size. When this occurs—especially if your breasts changed size... more
Usha Rajagopal, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com

+2

Pregnancy will not ruin your breast implants but it may be hard on your breasts.

Your breasts will respond physiologically to pregnance the same with or without breast implants.  Some women can have multiple pregnancies and breast feed with little impact on the appearance of the breasts.  Others might see dramatic changes with even one pregancy.  Your implants will not hurt nor help the changes that pregnancy might bring.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Pregnancy and breast implants

There are many factors that will determine the ultimate look of your breasts after preganancy and whether they will sag. Foremost among these is your decision to nurse. While no one can negate the benefits of nursing, I will briefly review some of the considerations These include: Size of your natural breast Size of the implant Skin elasticity (worse with smoking and sun exposure) Age Decision to nurse size when nursing favored breast when nursing (children/moms tend to use left) length of... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Implants and Pregnancy

It is hard to say for sure what the changes will be to your breasts after your pregnancy and breast feeding. It is very difficult to predict how your body will react. What can be said is generally women's breasts enlarge with pregnancy and breast feeding and this can cause stretch on the Cooper's ligaments which support the breast as well as stretch the skin. The skin stretch will recover somewhat in most people but the ligaments can be permanently changed with each pregnancy. This can... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and Breast Implants

First, congratulations on your pregnancy! Your breasts may very well change throughout the pregnancy and even in the months afterward. Although the implants themselves will not be directly affected, your final results may change over time. Only time will tell, however, as there is not way to predict when breasts will be permanently changed with pregnancy. This is something you have to wait and see. The final changes can be expected by 6-9 months following either... more
Brian Howard, MD

Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and implants

Your implants will be fine but your breast will change with pregnancy. Your skin may become looser and some women require a breast lift to accomodate the skin stretch that has occurred with a lactating breast.
Raj S. Ambay, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants and pregnancy

Hello and thank you for your question. A significant number of women who have become pregnant and had children chose to have a breast lift. The reason for this is understandable given the rapid increase and subsequent decrease in the size of the breast tissue during pregnancy. Your breast shape may very likely change with pregnancy and this would occur with or without breast augmentation previously been performed. If your implants are relatively large and make a big... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and Implants

There is no doubt that pregnancy affects the aesthetic result of your breast augmentation. I often counsel that patients should not have breast augmentation until they are sure that they have through having children. Since the vast majority of patients in my practice present with postpartum changes to their breast it does not make sense to go through another pregnancy which may affect the aesthetic appearance of your breasts. Her pregnancy will not ruin your implants but may affect the... more
John E. Sherman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.nyplasticsurg.com

+1

Pregnancy After Breast Implants

It depends on the patient’s tissue and amount of post partum atrophy. I always tell my patients that after pregnancy this may alter the shape and contour of their breasts and their implants long term. Certainly after having children or having their implants for 10 years this may be time for a revision or replacement of the implants. This is very variable so we all need to follow our breast implant patients on an annual basis. 
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and Breast Implants

With pregnancy, lactation and breast feeding, it is likely that you will develop some skin laxity as a result of breast volume gains from these events. The affect on the overall appearance of your breast will depend on personal factors such as skin tone and skin elasticity. The implants themselves are not going to be affected by pregnancy but the overall appearance of your breast may be. It is possible that you may need a breast lift or a revision after pregnancy and breast-feeding or... more
Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy won't ruin your breast implants, but your breasts will change!

But of course, Jayda, you already know this, since this not your first pregnancy. Your own breast tissue will enlarge during your pregnancy, stretching your breast skin just as the baby stretches your abdominal skin. The part of your breasts that are your implants will not change, so the amount of enlargement and stretch is less than an imaginary twin sister with breasts that are the same size as yours without implants. After pregnancy, and probably more so if you breast feed, your... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+1

Breast implants and pregnancy

The appearance of the breasts commonly changes with weight gain and loss, and pregnancy is a very dramatic example of this. How much the breasts change largely depends on skin tone and elasticity. It is likely that you will develop some additional looseness or laxity in the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is unlikely to ruin your results altogether.
Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy Effects on the Breast after Breast Implants

Breasts will usually change after going through pregnancy: many women notice a loss of volume less tone and more sagging commonly occur Implants do not prevent these changes, nor do they make these changes worse, but the relationship of the implant to the breast may be altered as a consequence of the changes from pregnancy.   At the time of breast augmentation, the implant is positioned to be in harmony with your natural breast. If there is much drooping of... more
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+1

Breast enhancement, breast implants and pregnancy

When breast implants are placed underneath the chest wall muscle, pregnancy by itself should not alter the result of the breast augmentation. However, pregnancy with or without breast feeding may stretch the skin envelope and cause the breast tissue to sag. Particulary after the pregnancy and or breast feeding are completed. Each woman's breast respond differently to the hormonal changes that occur. If lax skin develops, you may decide a lift is warranted after child bearing is... more
Patti A. Flint, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants and Pregnancy

Breast tissue is hormonally influenced and can be affected by pregnancy or exogenous hormones.  There are specific steps to take to reduce premature skin laxity during pregnancy and minimize the affects of volume loss.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Will pregnancy ruin my breast implants?

I wish I had a crystal ball. Every person is different with how their breasts change with pregnancy. Some barely look different, some go up 3 cup sizes. Breastfeeding adds another layer of change. Are you a producer? Do you favor one side? How big do you get? How long do you breastfeed for? Each pregnancy is different. As for the droop, it depends on your skin tone and the above. Advice? SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT. Sleep in a bra. Wear a good one which looks like Fort Knox... more
Lauren Greenberg, MD

Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy Is A WILD CARD with Augmentation

In reality, you never know what is going to happen with regards to augmentation and pregnancy.  Certainly, the longer you breastfeed, the greater the chance that the tissues will not bounce back as much as they would otherwise.  However, I have had a patient breastfeed for a year after having an augmentation and full lift, and everything bounced back to exactly how she was prior to surgery. 
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast change with pregnancy

Your breasts will behave during pregnancy exactly the same whether you have implants or not. They will enlarge due to hormonal changes and milk production. Then they will shrink back some, leaving you with looser skin.  There may be a little loose skin which isn't an issue, or it may be enough that you require some skin reduction (lift).
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy won't ruin them, but they will most likely change in appearance

As you are experiencing, when you go through pregnancy , your breasts go through changes. They will enlarge and stay that way as long as you are breast-feeding. When you quit breast-feeding, they will then go back to a smaller size. However, in the meantime,you may have develop stretch marks and other irreversible changes to the overlying skin and all the breast tissue may not totally returned to its pre-pregnancy size. I don't know how much your breasts changed during your prior... more
Joseph M. Perlman, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

doctorperlman.com

+1

Implants and pregnancy

As you know, the hormones associated with pregnancy and subsequent breast feeding and affect the look of the breasts.  However, these changes are inevitable, if they are going to happen, regardless of implants.  I would relax, enjoy your pregnancy, and deal with problems if they arise.  Good luck!
Dustin L. Reid, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and Breast Implants

Congratulations! Pregnancy is a blessing and may affect the bodies of many women positively or negatively. Unfortunately, breast augmentation does not guarantee permanent results. Pregnancy and nursing can effect the look of the breasts. Changes may vary between many women. Enjoy your pregnancy and consult with your surgeon when you are ready.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and breast implants

With pregnancy and breast feeding there will be changes in the breast with and without breast implants. How much of a change and where and what we can not predict. Time will tell you.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and implants

It is difficult to predict how the body will respond to pregnancy after having breast augmentation. As the volume of the breast changes during pregnancy it may cause them to sag a bit.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Unpredictable effect of pregnancy on breast implants.

Enjoy your pregnancy and your baby, and don't worry about your breast augmentation, because the effect varies so much from woman to woman.  It is possible that you will need a touch up in a few years, but I have seen dozens of breast implant patients who looked great after a pregnancy.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Change in breast implant results with pregnancy

Hello, While we do see changes in the breasts in patients with breast implants, we also see changes in the breasts of women without them. The answer varies. Not all patients will object to the changes pregnancy brings to their breasts. Some will seek surgery afterward to improve their look, but others will not. Relax and enjoy your pregnancy and the new addition to your family. Then re-evaluate things at least 3-6 months afterward. Best regards and congratulations!
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy and breast implants

We get this question often. The implants themselves will not be harmed. There is an interaction between the breast tissue and the implants. With pregnancy, (and all of the hormonal changes that go with it), as well as breast feeding, changes can occur. These changes occur with or without breast implants. It is always hard to predict who will get stretch marks, or changes in thier breasts or abdomen when pregnant. The short answer is that no one can accurately predict what will happen. That... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pregnancy affects the breasts, not implants

Recent studies indicate that the biggest predictor of changes in your breasts (your breasts, NOT the implants) is how large your breasts become during pregnancy. The things that can result from large changes include loss of breast tissue, stretch marks, and sagging. The implants don't necessarily cause any of these changes, but rather they are the result of the pregnancy. Not everyone has unfavorable changes after pregnancy; in fact, patient with a tight skin envelope over the implants... more
Brian K. Brzowski, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.brzowski.com

+1

Breast implants and pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy. It will not have any effect on your implants. However, it may have significant effect on your breasts. Some patients may require a breast lift after pregnancy, but that risk does not increase because you have breast implants. Your breasts will enlarge as they would have without implants under the muscle. Some lose volume after pregnancy and require a larger implant. Enjoy your baby and wait until all the pregnancy related changes have resolved. Then, see... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to prevent saggy breasts following pregnancy

The answer is very easy.  Do not breast feed after giving birth.  If you allow your breast to engorge, the skin will stretch and sagging will ensue.  If you have very large implants, you may wish to have your implants removed if medically possible at this stage of your pregnancy.
Gary H. Manchester, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.manchesterclinic.com

+1

The implants will be fine

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and with breast-feeding will affect your breast tissue itself, and specifically not the breast implant. Whether or not you have breast implants, your breast will undergo changes with pregnancy and breast-feeding that tend to make the breast droop and to lose some fullness, particularly in the upper part of the breast. Those changes will occur whether or not you have breast implants. There will probably be less of a change in your breast if... more
Ralph R. Garramone, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

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