How Soon Can I Get a Breast Lift After Nursing?

Aug 19

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can bring significant changes to a woman’s body, particularly the breasts. Many women consider a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore their pre-pregnancy shape and enhance their appearance. At Avance Plastic Surgery, we frequently receive questions about the timing of a breast lift after nursing. Here, we’ll explore the factors to consider and the optimal timeline for undergoing this procedure.

Understanding Breast Changes During and After Nursing

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormonal changes cause the breasts to enlarge as they prepare for milk production. After nursing, the breasts may lose volume and elasticity, leading to sagging and changes in shape. These changes can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors such as genetics, age, and the number of pregnancies.

Importance of Waiting After Nursing

Before scheduling a breast lift, it’s crucial to allow your breasts time to stabilize after nursing. This waiting period ensures that your surgeon can accurately assess your breast tissue and make the necessary adjustments to achieve the best results. Here are some key considerations:

1. Allowing Hormones to Normalize

Hormones play a significant role in breast changes during and after pregnancy. It’s essential to wait until hormone levels have returned to their pre-pregnancy state, which can take several months after you stop breastfeeding. This normalization helps ensure that the breast tissue has settled into its final shape and size.

2. Ensuring Milk Production Has Ceased

To avoid complications during surgery, it’s important to wait until milk production has completely ceased. Performing a breast lift while you are still producing milk can increase the risk of infection and interfere with the healing process. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least three to six months after you have stopped breastfeeding to ensure that milk production has fully ended.

3. Assessing Breast Size and Shape

The breasts need time to return to their natural size and shape after nursing. This period of stabilization allows your surgeon to make an accurate assessment of your breast tissue and plan the procedure accordingly. Rushing into surgery too soon can result in suboptimal outcomes and the need for additional procedures.

Recommended Timeline for a Breast Lift

While individual circumstances can vary, most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after you have finished nursing before undergoing a breast lift. This waiting period provides sufficient time for your breasts to stabilize and ensures the best possible results. Here’s a general timeline to consider:

Immediately After Nursing: Focus on allowing your body to recover from pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ensure that milk production has ceased entirely.
Three to Six Months Post-Nursing: Monitor the changes in your breast size and shape. Continue to practice good breast health and maintain a stable weight.
Six Months Post-Nursing: Schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and evaluate your breast tissue. If your breasts have stabilized, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift at this time.

Preparing for Your Breast Lift

Once you’ve decided to proceed with a breast lift, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally for the procedure. Here are some steps to take:

Choose a Qualified Surgeon: Select a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast lifts. Review their portfolio of before-and-after photos to ensure they can deliver the results you desire.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular exercise to ensure your body is in optimal condition for surgery and recovery.
Follow Pre-Operative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to prepare for your breast lift, including any necessary medical tests and guidelines for medications or supplements to avoid.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After your breast lift, following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Here are some general tips:

Rest and Recovery: Allow yourself ample time to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for resuming normal activities and exercise.
Monitor Healing: Keep an eye on the incision sites and watch for any signs of infection or complications. Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.
Supportive Garments: Wear any prescribed supportive garments to help minimize swelling and support your breasts during the healing process.

Contact a Renowned Cosmetic Breast Surgeon in Reno Today!

Deciding to undergo a breast lift after nursing is a personal choice that can help restore your confidence and improve your overall appearance. By waiting the recommended time period and choosing a qualified surgeon, you can achieve beautiful, lasting results. At Avance Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your goals and take the first step towards your desired transformation.

Posted on behalf of Avance Plastic Surgery

5588 Longley Lane, Suite A
Reno, NV 89511

Phone: (775) 800-4444

FAX: (775) 205-8322

Email: info@avanceinstitute.com

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5.0 / 5.0

5.0 stars from 587 reviews

Hands down the most qualified, honest and knowledgeable plastic surgeon in Northern Nevada. Dr. Dayan and his staff are truly committed to offering leading edge technology, quality and professionalism to each and every treatment ranging from to simple non invasive injections to complicated procedures. What he and his team have to offer always seems too good to be true, but they always over exceed expectations and are incredibly budget conscientious. The Reno-Tahoe area is incredibly fortunate to welcome such a skilled and qualified aesthetic professional into the area!

Shelby M.

Dr. Dayan is the surgeon clients should interview with and choose for their procedures. I am always very cautious when deciding important life decisions and I can say without a doubt that I would go through my surgeries again with Dr. Dayan. Every appointment has been professional, courteous, informative, and truthful. I never felt rushed. I also appreciate knowing my privacy is maintained. My fear of pain is very respected, and his demeanor eases it quite a bit. I made my decision to trust Dr. Dayan because of his extensive education, vast experience, and my first-hand witness of his character. These factors have allowed me to look forward to all of my appointments.

Aubrey S.

I had three consultations and didn't make any decisions lightly, but Dr. Dayan blew the competition out of the water. From the moment I met him during my consultation, he was honest and open while also personable. He also insisted on putting me in touch with previous patients before I made my decision so that I could have a better understanding of the process and recovery as a whole. I ultimately picked him because I knew he would do a good job but also because I felt at ease with him. The day of surgery, I was very nervous and he was comforting while efficient with his time. He was also completely honest with me during my recovery and called either myself or my husband often to make sure I was doing well, but also to make sure my husband understood the process completely. He also makes himself so available for any little questions or concerns I've had, making me feel secure in knowing he's only a phone call or a text away. Although I am not yet completely healed (only 3 weeks post-op) I already feel so confident in the work that has been done. He has helped me to transform something that had me so insecure for such a long time into a body I feel comfortable in. I cannot wait for the final results! I won't hesitate to return to Dr. Dayan for anything else I need done. Between him and his office staff (Alli) I feel like more of a member of the Avance family rather than a patient!

Jacelyn O.

I highly encourage anyone who is considering plastic/reconstruction surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dayan. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and outcome from my breast augmentation. At my consultations, not only did I get my questions thoroughly answered, but I was treated with such genuine kindness and patience. Dr. Dayan is professional, highly knowledgeable, honest and has a certain way of connecting with others. For these reasons, I trusted him and felt supported throughout my whole breast augmentation experience from pre- to post-surgery care. All around, I felt safe and informed about this big decision/investment which is all I could ever ask for. I recovered so much easier than I expected, and my breasts are looking perfect and natural! Dr. Dayan definitely listened to what I wanted and followed through. Lastly, I want to mention how sweet and supportive his team is over at Avance! I am very appreciative of their service.

Sidney C.

My results after a "noninvasive" procedure are amazing. The cutting-edge techniques and noninvasive technology that Dr. Dayan incorporates into his procedures, as well as being a gifted and talented surgeon and individual, all contribute to his many accomplishments. However, I personally am impressed with his abilities to listen, communicate, and create beautiful results. I highly recommend a consultation with Dr. Dayan before making a final decision on any kind of procedure. Just another satisfied patient!

Mary J.

I had a perfect experience at Avance. Dr. Dayan was quick, professional, and checked in with me regularly to make sure I was comfortable during the short procedure I needed done. His demeanor was calming and I was able to put full trust in his abilities from start to finish. Erez really knows his stuff, and it's amazing he's here in Reno when he could clearly be somewhere much bigger if he wanted. I definitely won't hesitate to book again if needed.

Chris S.

Absolutely an amazing experience! Where to start? When I first thought of getting a mommy makeover my expectations were not that high because I didn’t ever think I could look the way I wanted to. I always just hoped it would be an improvement and I would be happy with that. Then I met Dr. Dayan. From the first consultation he made me realize that he could give me beautiful results that I didn’t know were possible. He was so kind and confident and I knew from that moment that he was going to be my surgeon. I booked my surgery (a breast augmentation with implants and a tummy tuck with lipo) that day and it was the best choice I have ever made. Before my procedure he was very thorough and explained step by step what he was going to do which made me feel so comfortable. I actually wasn’t nervous at all. I was so excited! I am now 1 month post op and my results are above and beyond what I could have ever dreamed my body could look like after a mommy makeover. Dr. Dayan did an exceptional job. I am not completely healed and I already am so pleased. There are no words that can do justice to how amazing it is to put trust in someone with my body and wake up with results that are better than I could have ever imagined. He truly is skilled in his profession and has the eye for what is best for your body to give you the best results. He followed up with me several times post op to see how I was feeling. If I had any concerns or questions he responded to them quickly and personally which made me feel confident that everything was going well! His care is exceptional from beginning to end. He has an amazing staff as well. His Patient coordinator Ali is so sweet and helpful. She is amazing with communication as well as helping you with financial options and scheduling. You won’t be disappointed working with Dr. Dayan and Ali!

Valerie F.

Dr. Dayan and his team are the best of the best! The level of care, professionalism is top of the class. I strongly recommend Dr. Dayan and his entire team. I cannot say enough about his work - he is incredibly talented and I am confident under his care. Of course the results are amazing! I love my LIPS!

Nasya M.