How soon can I get breast implants after delivery?

Question

I am a small B planning to go to a full D. I've gotten answers from 3 months, 6 weeks, and as soon as I get back down to pre pregnancy weight. I'm 5"5 and usually 118lbs. I deliver in Nov and b/c of maternity leave from work, I'd like to get my surgery done during that time. My last pregnancy I was back to normal weight a week after. I dont plan on breast feeding. I read that after 10 days from delivery my milk would be dried up. So my question, how soon can I get the surgery done?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I understand your timing concerns and wish to undergo surgery while on maternity leave. But there are two issues in play here.Your breasts are hormonal end-organs, and even if not breast feeding, the vascularity and hormone-stimulated intraductal bacteria, as well as tissue friability and tendency to bleed all play a role in increasing risk for capsular contracture (CC). Thus, it is best to allow a minimum of 3 months of normal menstrual cycles after birth (if not breast feeding) or after breast feeding is concluded before proceeding with surgery. You want the best result and the lowest risk of CC since these implants will be in your body for a long time!You have a new baby whose demands on your attention and time will need 
to be considered as well. I know you're an experienced mom, but "two is 
NOT as easy as one."Be patient and do this right, even if you need to take additional time off. And, BTW, breast feeding is best for your baby. Best wishes and good luck with both new baby and new you! Dr. Tholen

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no magic time or date.  I suggest you wait atleast 3 months after your milk has dried up.  Also try to get to your baseline prepregnancy weight.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.Its best to wait until you have gotten back close to your pre-pregnancy weight.I tell most patients 3-6 mos is a good time to wait but could be longer.Ive had women want it done asap since they have time off and as long as they are ok understanding that things may change over time, it can be done.The best way to assess and give true advice would an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend waiting at least 3 months prior to any augmentation.  If you may need a lift, then 6 months.   Surgical risks and Dissatisfying results tend to occur unnecessarily when surgery is rushed for convenience sake.   All the best.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

Give it 6 months. Your weight is one thing, but your body needs to recover from the delivery. 6 months is a safe timeframe to allow for recovery and ensure that there is no breast swelling. Good luck!

Bahram Ghaderi, MD · Answer

Your body needs to recovery from having a baby and the hormonal effects of breast feeding. Even if you don't breast feed, it is a good idea to wait 3-6 months from the time of delivery before having surgery. Each patient is different and the timing will vary based on your specific situation. I would recommend having a consultation with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and desired timing.

M. Azhar Ali, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no hard and fast rule regarding timing for breast surgery after pregnancy. In our practice we recommend waiting for 6 months after the patient has stopped nursing. This gives time for all the hormonal changes to subside and for proper selection of implants and procedure.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

hi rspore,  usually we recomand breast implant after  one stops  breast feeding. reason is the breast vascular have returned to normal and size becomes stable. so in your case since you are not giving breast feeding , you should wait till your weight and breast size becomes stable . It reduces complication and give desired size

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you need to wait at least 3-6 months until you are back down to pre-pregnancy weight and your breasts are no longer producing milk and have involuted.

Josh Waltzman, MD, MBA · Answer

I usually recommend that woman wait at least 3-6 months after having a child (or breastfeeding) to consider breast surgery.  Although a woman might be back at her pre-pregnancy weight fairly soon after delivery, her body may continue to undergo changes for several months.  If you operate before your body has returned to its baseline, you need to be open to the possibility that you might need a revision in the future.  Best of luck!

How soon can I get breast implants after delivery?

Answers (13)

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