Sagging Breasts After Breastfeeding: What Effective Solutions Exist?
There are various tricks and solutions that are said to prevent or correct this problem, but they are not always as effective as you would like. In this case, if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breasts and want them to regain their firmness, shape, and original size, plastic surgery offers several effective solutions.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about two of these: breast lift and breast augmentation.
Breast lift
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a very popular procedure among women who want to correct the appearance of their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to lift the breasts and restore their shape and firmness, and to correct the position and size of the nipples and areolas (the darker area around the nipples).
In addition to sagging breasts, other possible signs that indicate you may be a suitable candidate for a breast lift are:
- The nipples and areolas are pointing downwards;
- One of the breasts is larger than the other;
- The areolas are disproportionately large compared to the size of the breasts.
Usually, the procedure lasts between 2 and 3 hours, and various techniques can be used during it; the chosen technique is important because it will influence, among other things, the location of the incisions and, therefore, the scars. After the procedure, you will need to wear a special bra for at least a few weeks, both during the day and at night, to help your breasts maintain their shape.
The results will be visible immediately, although the shape of your breasts will continue to change in the following months. One of the things you might notice is that you need a slightly smaller bra size. As for the scars, they can usually be easily hidden.
Another thing to mention is that, although a breast lift can be performed regardless of the size of the breasts, the results may be more lasting in patients with smaller breasts. Also, as you get older, your skin naturally loses elasticity, and the breasts may sag again, although not to the same extent.[2]
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure through which the size and shape of the breasts can be modified, usually by placing silicone or saline breast implants. The ultimate goal is to improve the natural proportions of the breasts, taking into account, of course, the needs of each patient.
In the case of women with sagging breasts after breastfeeding, breast augmentation can help restore the fullness of the breasts and can be performed separately or in combination with a breast lift.
The result of the procedure also depends on the type of implant used, and in choosing the right one for each patient, several criteria are taken into account, from its shape (round or anatomical) and size to its filling or profile. An experienced plastic surgeon will guide you to choose the type of implant that will help you achieve the desired effect.
In order to insert the chosen implants, your surgeon can make incisions under the breast, in the mammary fold, in the armpit fold, around the nipple, along the areola, or at the level of the navel. Each type of incision has its advantages and disadvantages, and the technique used will be chosen depending on your anatomy and the desired results. Regardless of the approach chosen, the resulting scars can be easily hidden.
As with a breast lift, after the procedure, you will need to wear a special bra for a certain period. As a rule, the results of breast augmentation with implants are lasting, but changes may occur over time: the aging process, weight fluctuations, or a new pregnancy, for example, can affect the initial results, and a new intervention may be necessary.[1]
Breastfeeding and pregnancy can have permanent effects on your breasts, changing the way they look and feel. If you are no longer satisfied with their appearance and want them to regain their lost shape and firmness, plastic surgery can help you achieve the desired results. Breast lift or breast augmentation are procedures that more and more women are resorting to, and you should not feel guilty if you want to erase the marks that breastfeeding has left on your body. In general, it is recommended to wait approximately 6 months after stopping breastfeeding before resorting to such an intervention.[3]
More details about these procedures can be found by scheduling a consultation. Sagging breasts are a problem for which there are several effective solutions, and Dr. Olimpiu Hârceagă will help you identify the one that is right for you.
Bibliography:
- “Breast Augmentation Guide.” ABCS, 12 June 2019. Accessed 13 Sept. 2022.
- “Breast Lift – Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, 2022. Accessed 13 Sept. 2022.
- Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS. “Better Breasts after Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 8 Feb. 2022. Accessed 13 Sept. 2022.
