Does it make sense to have a breast lift before having kids? (Photos)

Question

Hi all, I am 33 and still single but would like kids in the next few years. At the same time, I really do want a breast lift, and I believe it will give me more confidence and is something I've considered for a while. Is it silly to do this before kids?

Chul Hwan Seul, MD, PhD · Answer

After childbirth, the breasts may sag more, so in general, it is better to have a breast lift surgery after pregnancy and childbirth. However, if you do not have specific marriage or pregnancy plans yet and you are experiencing significant stress because of sagging breasts, having the surgery now could still be a good option.

Even if the breasts sag slightly more after childbirth, it does not necessarily mean that revision surgery will be required.

Even if the breasts sag slightly more after childbirth, it does not necessarily mean that revision surgery will be required.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

It is not silly to consider a breast lift before having children, especially if the breast shape bothers you every day. From the photo, a lift could reasonably improve nipple position and breast shape, but future pregnancy, weight change, and breastfeeding can stretch the skin again and may reduce or change the result.
The timing comes down to how soon pregnancy is likely and how comfortable you are with possible revision later. If you expect pregnancy within the next year or two, waiting may be more efficient. If children are several years away or uncertain and this affects your confidence now, a lift can still be reasonable after an in-person consultation. I would also discuss scar pattern, breast-feeding goals, and whether you want a lift alone or volume support.

Murat Diyarbakirlioglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello! Not at all, this is actually a very common question, and many women choose to have a breast lift before having children.

From a surgical perspective, the main thing to understand is that pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and weight fluctuations can affect the breasts again in the future. This means that while a breast lift can absolutely improve breast shape, position, and confidence now, there is a possibility that some degree of sagging may return after future pregnancies.

However, that does not mean it is “wrong” or “silly” to do the surgery beforehand. Many patients feel that improving their confidence and body image for several important years of their life is very worthwhile, especially if the sagging has been affecting them emotionally for a long time.

In general, there are two common approaches:
• waiting until after pregnancies for the longest-lasting result
• proceeding now and understanding that a revision or small touch-up could potentially be desired in the future

Neither choice is necessarily correct or incorrect, it depends on your priorities, your anatomy, and how significantly this impacts your quality of life and self-confidence today.

A proper consultation would help determine:
• the degree of sagging
• your skin quality and tissue elasticity
• whether implants are needed or a lift alone would be sufficient
• how future pregnancies may realistically affect your result

If you would like, you are very welcome to contact our team for a more detailed evaluation and personalized advice regarding the best timing and surgical plan for your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tiraanasauras,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for the question, this is a very personal decision, because it depends on how urge you are about how you feel with your breast. If you don’t feel confident or comfortable with them now, you can have a treatment for it, and in a future do a revision if needed.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Having children after a breast lift places you at significant risk for recurrent sagging. The size or volume of the breasts may change as well. For these reasons, I generally recommend patients complete their childbearing before having this procedure. In spite of this, there are still occasional patients who will proceed with the surgery, knowing it may have to be repeated.

Mert Sizmaz, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question.
Breast surgery can potentially affect breastfeeding. However, many women are still able to breastfeed successfully after surgery. The exact impact varies from person to person and should be discussed carefully before planning the procedure.
I hope this gives you a clearer perspective as you consider your options.
Mert Sızmaz, MD

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Any significant changes which occur post op can alter a result. Weight shifts such as those seen in pregnancy/breastfeeding are very likely to compromise an aesthetic result.

That being said, changes like these are difficult to anticipate or plan for especially at a young age.

If you do not anticipate children in the near term, there is no reason you could not consider surgery. However, you must be comfortable with the potential need for revision post partum.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.You appear to be a good candidate for a breast lift procedure. If you wish, adding an implant can also provide a fuller and more aesthetically pleasing volume.I hope this helps.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. Certainly, a breast lift can be done at this point. However, your breasts will likely increase in size with your pregnancy and possible breast feeding.  This enlargement will put a stretch and strain on your incision lines and can potentially widen your scars.  Additionally, depending upon the increase in your breast size, your skin may be stretched out again, and you may lose the effect of your breast lift. It is usually recommended to wait until child bearing is finished prior to considering breast lifts, so the result is as optimal as possible.  Best wishes.

Does it make sense to have a breast lift before having kids? (Photos)

Answers (19)

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