Many patients complain of smaller, deflated breasts after nursing their babies and remark on how breastfeeding has ruined their figures. The truth is that it is the hormonal shifts during pregnancy, not breastfeeding itself, that lead to depleted breast volume. Even women who choose not to nurse can experience changes in breast shape and fullness after giving birth. In this blog, Dr. Guy Cappuccino, a board-certified body sculpting expert in Mount Airy, Maryland, explores some of the transformative procedures that can help restore your upper body appearance after pregnancy.
What Causes Breast Deflation After Breastfeeding?
While the breasts may look abnormally small and wilted after nursing, the reason isn’t necessarily breastfeeding itself. In reality, changes in the physique have been taking place ever since the early stages of pregnancy. Within a few weeks of conception, the body begins its preparation process for lactation by increasing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This leads to increased fatty tissue in the breasts and enhanced blood flow to the chest.
As pregnancy progresses, the breasts continue to enlarge and may jump up several cup sizes. The skin and ligaments stretch to accommodate the new breast size. In some women, these changes can be permanent, while in others, the breasts deflate after childbirth and nursing. Notably, women may experience these shifts in their breasts whether they choose to nurse their babies or not. Luckily, there are several cosmetic procedures that can restore the chest's appearance and help women feel more confident and secure in their appearance after the miracle of motherhood.
What Procedures Can Restore the Breasts’ Appearance After Pregnancy and Nursing?
Dr. Cappuccino in Mount Airy, MD, performs a range of cosmetic procedures to help women reclaim their appearance and confidence after giving birth. The following surgeries target the issue of volume loss in the breasts, as well as loss of projection, balance, and proportion.
- Breast Augmentation With Implants – Implant augmentation is one of the most popular and effective procedures that Dr. Cappuccino performs. Patients have full control over the size, shape, and type of devices placed in the chest, choosing from saline, silicone, or Gummy Bear implants. They can also select the incision pattern and implant placement for ultimate customization. Dr. Cappuccino carefully guides patients through the implant selection process, providing support and compassion at every stage of the treatment process. Breast implants today provide a highly natural look and feel, allowing patients to feel at ease wearing all their favorite clothing, swimwear, and lingerie. In addition to replacing volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, augmentation with implants can also address issues such as breast symmetry, tuberous breasts, and changes in the body after aging or massive weight loss.
- Breast Augmentation With Fat Grafting – For women who prefer not to have implants placed, Dr. Cappuccino can perform breast enhancement using autologous fat from the hips, belly, thighs, or flanks. While this augmentation method can typically only yield a modest increase in cup size, some women prefer the procedure’s more subtle results and lower health risks. Fat grafting breast augmentation also provides the secondary benefits of sculpting the donor regions where the fat is extracted. During surgery, Dr. Cappuccino harvests fat cells via liposuction. Once the cells have been sterilized and purified, they are then artfully injected into the chest to create fuller, more feminine breast mounds.
- Breast Augmentation + Mastopexy (Breast Lift) – While breast augmentation corrects the issue of breast deflation, it does not typically help with breast ptosis (sagging.) By combining breast enhancement with a breast lift, Dr. Cappuccino is able to produce comprehensive improvement in the overall appearance of the chest. The implants are placed, and then the doctor trims loose, drooping skin to improve projection and perkiness. Finally, the nipple location can be adjusted to better complement the newly sculpted breasts, creating a more youthful and attractive silhouette.
- Mommy Makeover – A mommy makeover is a comprehensive combination procedure that not only sculpts the breasts but also addresses pregnancy-related changes in the abdomen, hips, and lower body. In fact, each woman chooses the exact cosmetic procedures she wants to incorporate into her mommy makeover. Most procedures include breast surgery, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, although adding on an arm lift, thigh lift, labiaplasty, or facial rejuvenation is also possible. The benefit of a mommy makeover is that it allows patients to experience only one recovery period and to consolidate costs. Since you only go under anesthesia a single time, overall surgical risks are also reduced.
Will I Qualify for Plastic Surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation, mastopexy, or a mommy makeover are healthy non-smoking individuals who are free from any serious medical concerns that might increase their surgical risks. They should be at a stable, healthy weight and realistic in their expectations for their results.
While it is still possible to have children and breastfeed in the future after surgery, Dr. Cappuccino suggests waiting until you are finished creating your family before undergoing breast augmentation, mastopexy, or a mommy makeover, only because future pregnancies can compromise your aesthetic results, causing you to forfeit your investment in your appearance.
The best way to determine your candidacy is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Cappuccino in Mount Airy, Maryland. This provides you with the most time and space to explore your options for body contouring, ask questions, and obtain the knowledge and information you need to make the best decisions for your care.
What is the Takeaway?
It can be concerning to notice unwanted changes in your figure after pregnancy and breastfeeding. You may even think you might have made a mistake in choosing to nurse your child when confronted with deflated breasts and a poor fit in bras, tops, and swimwear. However, changes in the breasts began to occur long before the breastfeeding process and are a natural part of being pregnant.
While it can be difficult to combat these physical shifts through dieting and exercise alone, cosmetic surgery offers a dramatic and lasting solution for women who wish to reclaim their figures. Dr. Cappuccino performs breast augmentation, enhancement with fat grafting, a combination breast augmentation with a breast lift, or a full mommy makeover to help patients recapture their confidence and peace of mind.
Want to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Maryland? Contact Dr. Guy Cappuccino in Mount Airy Today!
If you think that a breast augmentation, breast lift, or complete mommy makeover might be the right choice for you, contact our team in Mount Airy today to schedule a private consultation. Dr. Guy Cappuccino is a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to excellence, integrity, and personalized care, and he is excited to speak with you about your cosmetic goals. Call today to get started!
