Should I Start My Family Before Considering Breast Augmentation?
Many women are eager to have breast augmentation surgery at a young age because they are unhappy with their breast size or shape. I always encourage taking steps towards building confidence, and if cosmetic surgery will help you in your journey, then you should go for it. However, starting a family may be something to take into consideration before getting breast implants.
One of the most frequently asked questions about breast augmentation, according to Sacramento plastic surgeon Dr. Wayne Yamahata, is whether or not to hold off on breast augmentation ‘til after having kids.
Why should you consider future pregnancy? It may seem like a far-fetched idea now, but it can become a reality sooner than you think. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can take a toll on your breasts. Starting around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, you may notice your breasts getting bigger, and they will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. You may feel itchiness as the skin stretches, and it is not uncommon to go up a size or two.
After your baby is born, your body goes through even more changes. Your breasts can increase dramatically during the first few postpartum days as they begin to produce milk for your little one. You will probably continue to feel tightness during the time that you are nursing.
Unfortunately, this breast volume increase probably won’t last. Many women report sagginess after breastfeeding because the temporary fullness can cause the skin and ligaments to stretch. Even if you don’t breastfeed, your breasts can still deflate and lose volume.
Having said this, if you aren’t planning on having children for several years and you have considered the fact that you may need a revision in the future, then go ahead and schedule your surgery. However, remember that your breasts can still develop up until your early 20s, so it is probably a good idea to wait until at least then to get a breast augmentation.
On the other hand, if you have decided to wait until after pregnancy to get a breast augmentation, there are a couple things to keep in mind. First, don’t rush into anything. Enjoy pregnancy and nursing your new baby. It takes a while after breastfeeding for your breasts to “settle” into their long-term size and shape. You should wait until your breasts are at a stable size before getting implants to prevent further change. Usually this takes around 3 to 6 months after you are done breastfeeding. The purpose of this waiting period is to also make sure that your hormones have returned to pre-pregnancy levels. Lastly, there are some bacteria that naturally live in the milk ducts breast ducts, so waiting a few months can minimize any chance of infection.
Many doctors recommend waiting until after having kids to undergo breast augmentation, but it is also important to note that it is possible and safe to breastfeed after a breast augmentation. So even if you do decide to get breast implants, you can still nurse a future newborn. Whatever you decide, make sure that you do your research to find a trusted and board-certified plastic surgeon that has years of experience performing breast augmentations.