Gabrielle B. Davis, MD is a practicing Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills. Dr. Davis redefines aesthetic medicine by implementing her unique research background in tissue regeneration into her medical practice to reduce the effects of aging on the body. Dr. Davis’s mission is to create natural-appearing results implementing scientific principles of aging with the sound surgical technique. Her philosophy is that while aging is a normal process of life and scientifically we can not stop the process, we can definitely redefine the concept of “aging gracefully." Haute Beauty expert Dr. Gabrielle Davis addresses concerns about breast implants after pregnancy and suggests risks to consider.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockHow does pregnancy affect breast implants?
While breast volume may change significantly during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, the implants should not be affected. However, due to changes in breast tissue around the implants, the breasts may have a different contour or shape as a result.
Should you wait a certain period of time after getting breast implants to get pregnant?
We always advise women that are planning to have children in the near future that they should probably wait until after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding before considering breast implant surgery.
Can you breastfeed with implants?
The implants are placed under the breast tissue or under the chest musculature, which leads to the preservation of breast ductal and glandular tissue, and in turn a woman’s ability to breastfeed.
Will you have excess sagging postpartum?
Women may develop excess sagging postpartum particularly if they experience large fluctuations in their breast volume during pregnancy. In younger patients with good collagen production and skin elasticity, skin “sagging” may be minimal to none. However, older patients with less collagen reserve may develop excess “sagging” postpartum which could cause their nipples to fall, also called ptosis, or create a deflated appearance to their breasts.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockAre there procedures that can restore the look of your implants if they change during pregnancy?
If a woman develops significant ptosis a mastopexy, or breast lift, can be used to elevate the position of the nipples and reduce excess skin. In women in which the nipple position is ideal, but they developed deflation secondary to the breast volume returning to its pre-pregnancy size, but the skin still being stretched, they could consider placing a larger implant to fill out the skin.
Is it better to wait until after you have kids to get breast implants?
I believe that this is an individual decision that should be made by the patient. Again, we advise women that are planning to have children in the near future, to consider breast implant surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding to maintain the longevity of their results. However, breast implants are not lifetime devices, and most women at some point in time may require additional surgery to replace the breast implants.
Are there other considerations someone should be aware of?
I think that anyone considering breast implant surgery should be fully informed of the procedure including the potential benefits and risks. In addition, they should choose a plastic surgeon that has ample experience and make sure that their surgeon is on the same page with them with respect to their aesthetic goals.
For more information, visit Dr. Gabrielle Davis's social media:
