If you will have another child in a year or so, wait to have your breast augmentation. There will be changes to your breasts after pregnancy, whether you breastfeed or not. The chances of you needing a second surgery to fix them after pregnancy are high.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Many questions that you should be sure are answered before you proceed. Very petite, 113 lbs, 5'4", 10 cm base diameter and having had at least one pregnancy already (you didn't give your baseline cup size or goal) 300 cc does not seem like too much at all if your goal is a 1-2 cup size increase. 150 and 175 cc implants are quite small. Pregnancy/breast feeding can definitely have an impact on your long term result.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Those are very small sizes. You may want to consider going larger. Every 150cc is about 1 cup size larger. Also, you should realize that you may need another breast surgery after pregnancy, because your breasts will get larger but then smaller.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thanks for your question. If you're planning to potentially have another child within a year, I would advise waiting to have an augmentation so that you will have a better idea of how the pregnancy may affect your breasts. It's not unusual to need a lifting procedure in combination with an augmentation, particularly after multiple pregnancies.

In terms of implant volume, we have found our Vectra 3D imaging system to be a very useful guide in determining the implant size that will best achieve your goals. Being able to simulate different implant sizes on your body is really helpful in visualizing potential results, so I would recommend seeking a practice that offers Vectra. All the best!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

When considering the timing of cosmetic surgery, it is important to note that the longevity of the result is dependent upon your post op stability. Significant changes in weight can alter results. These changes are difficult to predict but they may require revisionary surgery.

Thus, when considering pre-pregnancy surgery one must be comfortable with the prospect of a compromised outcome. In the case of breast augmentation, the significant weight changes associated with pregnancy and subsequent breast feeding can lead to skin stretch and loss of elasticity. This leads to the classically deflated appearance of the breasts post partum.

Post pregnancy is an entirely different situation. It is always best to exhibit restraint in the post-partum period. This is due to the fact that your body is changing dramatically during this period. The hormonal fluctuation can alter size and shape widely during the immediate post-partum period and can continue through the period of nursing.

The optimal candidate for surgery has reached a healthy stable weight. In the setting of a recent pregnancy and delivery this stable weight can take some time to reach. A general rule of thumb is at least 6-9 months post-partum. If you choose to breast-feed through the first year of life you should allow at least three months following the discontinuation of breast-feeding before considering any procedures.

With regards to sizing, the best advice is to stay within the parameters as defined by your BWD. This defines your breast footprint on your chest and ensures that the implant chosen will not spill over towards the sides creating the dreaded "fake" look.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012