Surgery now or wait till after having children?

Question

I've attached a current photo. I have been considering a breast augmentation for a long time. I do plan on having children in the future. Should I go through with surgery now or wait? What changes can I expect while pregnant/breastfeeding?

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. If you're planning on having children soon, I would suggest to wait since pregnancy does affect your results. This way you can have optimal results with your breast augmentation. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It seems the main question is whether your breasts will sag after childbearing.  The presence of implants will not alter this much.  If you are excited about breast augmentation, you should consider having surgery before children.  Of course it is best to get a consultation with a plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you decide what is best.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The optimal timing of cosmetic surgery of any kind will vary from individual to individual.

The being said, patients should be healthy and have reached a healthy stable weight at which they are happy (as post op weight changes can alter results).

The question of family planning is a common one. Pregnancy/breastfeeding tends to alter results. However, these life changes are not always reliably predictable.

With regards to your specific question, if you anticipate starting a family in the near future it is best to delay. If you don't have any immediate plans you should feel free to procede.

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

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi, I want to state that, it’s not expected that breast augmentation affect the breastfeeding. Breast augmentation will increase your self confidence, so if you think self confidence would make difference in your life there is no reason to postpone until after the childbirth.

Athanasios Christopoulos, MD · Answer

The response to your question must take into account a multitude of factors, the majority of which are personal and specific to your individual circumstances. There is no universal guideline applicable to all individuals in such situations. The appropriate course of action depends primarily on how significant this change is to you personally, as well as on the timing of a potential pregnancy.
In general, if you are planning to conceive within the next 12 months, it is advisable to postpone the procedure. This is because breast tissue typically undergoes changes following pregnancy, and it is not possible to predict the final appearance or volume of the breasts afterward. In most cases, there is a tendency toward increased laxity and volume loss. However, it should be noted that in some cases, breast volume may actually increase post-pregnancy.
Conversely, if a pregnancy is not on the near horizon, I would suggest going ahead with the procedure. Life moves forward, and it’s only natural that you would want to enhance your daily life and enjoy the breasts you’ve dreamed of for as long as possible.
Breastfeeding is generally not affected by this type of surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MichelleC0426,

this should be your decision. However, you need to know that there is a high chance of a change in size and shape of your breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are low on the chest wall, the nipples are pointing upward, and the breasts have bottomed out. I recommend a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Breasts may or may not change size after pregnancy.  If planning to have children in the next year or two, may be a good idea to wait. If not planning, why wait? Always a personal decision. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I think the choice is entirely up to you and your preference. I suspect that you will need a lift down the road after having children, but that might be with or without implants. If you want to enjoy implants now, do that! Then when you are coming back to replace, it may be time for a lift. Good luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no point of waiting for pregnancies at this point. Enjoy yourself now. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in breast surgery should be your next step. Good luck.

Surgery now or wait till after having children?

Answers (14)

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