How will pregnancy affect my implants?

I just got pregnant (yay!). I've had my implants for 4 years; I'm 33. Will my pregnancy permanently change my boobs? Will I need a tune up afterwards?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor Alton E. Ingram, MD

Published on Apr 29, 2021

Congratulations!! I hope you have a smooth pregnancy and delivery!

During pregnancy, everyone experiences changes in the size and shape of her breasts — regardless of whether they have undergone a breast augmentation. Pregnancy will often change the shape of your breast tissue, but the implants will remain the same. The hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the structure of your breasts (your glands will get bigger and will engorge with milk, and your breast ducts will get thicker), but your hormones won't directly affect your implants.

Changes in your hormone levels (specifically your estrogen and progesterone levels) during pregnancy coupled with weight fluctuations will change your breasts' size and shape. Larger breast changes tend to occur when you have more significant weight gains during pregnancy and then loss after you've finished lactating. To avoid the dramatic variations that can lead to postpartum sagging and deflation, listen to your OBGYN's advice: during your pregnancy, your obstetrician will help guide you on the appropriate amount of weight that your body should gain. Try to stay within range of your OB's recommendations to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, loose skin, and deflated breasts once you've had your baby and you've finished producing milk.

Answered by Alton E. Ingram, MD (View Profile)

Congratulations!! I hope you have a smooth pregnancy and delivery!

During pregnancy, everyone experiences changes in the size and shape of her breasts — regardless of whether they have undergone a breast augmentation. Pregnancy will often change the shape of your breast tissue, but the implants will remain the same. The hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the structure of your breasts (your glands will get bigger and will engorge with milk, and your breast ducts will get thicker), but your hormones won't directly affect your implants.

Changes in your hormone levels (specifically your estrogen and progesterone levels) during pregnancy coupled with weight fluctuations will change your breasts' size and shape. Larger breast changes tend to occur when you have more significant weight gains during pregnancy and then loss after you've finished lactating. To avoid the dramatic variations that can lead to postpartum sagging and deflation, listen to your OBGYN's advice: during your pregnancy, your obstetrician will help guide you on the appropriate amount of weight that your body should gain. Try to stay within range of your OB's recommendations to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, loose skin, and deflated breasts once you've had your baby and you've finished producing milk.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Harry Glassman, M.D.

Published on Dec 12, 2018

The effect of pregnancy on a woman's breasts and breast implants varies greatly. Some experience very little change in the shape of their breasts after pregnancy, while others experience ptosis or sagging. There is nothing to do during the pregnancy other than to wear a comfortable support bra. After the birth of your child, I suggest you wait 4-6 months before you will see the effect, if any, on your breasts.

Answered by Harry Glassman, M.D. (View Profile)

The effect of pregnancy on a woman's breasts and breast implants varies greatly. Some experience very little change in the shape of their breasts after pregnancy, while others experience ptosis or sagging. There is nothing to do during the pregnancy other than to wear a comfortable support bra. After the birth of your child, I suggest you wait 4-6 months before you will see the effect, if any, on your breasts.

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.

When considering pre-pregnancy surgery, one must be comfortable with the prospect of subsequent surgical revisions after children, weight gain, aging, etc. While it is true that younger patients typically recover more quickly, you must weigh this against the need for further surgery. Children are great for the heart but hard on the body.

When considering post-pregnancy surgery, you must understand the best candidate for surgery has reached a healthy, stable weight pre-op and plans to maintain this regimen post-op. This can take several months to achieve in the postpartum period.

Recommendations will vary but most patients will stabilize hormonally by 9-12 months postpartum, or 3 months after the cessation of breastfeeding (whichever is longer). Allowing adequate time to plateau will make you a better candidate.

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

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

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.

When considering pre-pregnancy surgery, one must be comfortable with the prospect of subsequent surgical revisions after children, weight gain, aging, etc. While it is true that younger patients typically recover more quickly, you must weigh this against the need for further surgery. Children are great for the heart but hard on the body.

When considering post-pregnancy surgery, you must understand the best candidate for surgery has reached a healthy, stable weight pre-op and plans to maintain this regimen post-op. This can take several months to achieve in the postpartum period.

Recommendations will vary but most patients will stabilize hormonally by 9-12 months postpartum, or 3 months after the cessation of breastfeeding (whichever is longer). Allowing adequate time to plateau will make you a better candidate.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 03, 2016

Not necessarily. I've had patients who nursed babies and they looked fine afterwards, while others involuted and needed a larger implant. There is no way to make an accurate prediction. I can only say, nurse your baby and determine afterwards whether you need a "tune up."

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Not necessarily. I've had patients who nursed babies and they looked fine afterwards, while others involuted and needed a larger implant. There is no way to make an accurate prediction. I can only say, nurse your baby and determine afterwards whether you need a "tune up."

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Mar 18, 2016

It all depends on the factors of pregnancy, how much you gain, if you are nursing, etc. Nothing may happen or, as you say, you may need a revision or a lift at a future time.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

It all depends on the factors of pregnancy, how much you gain, if you are nursing, etc. Nothing may happen or, as you say, you may need a revision or a lift at a future time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Mar 03, 2016

It is difficult to predict. Normally, you do lose volume and they do sag. Support yourself during your pregnancy.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

It is difficult to predict. Normally, you do lose volume and they do sag. Support yourself during your pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Published on Mar 03, 2016

Your imlpants will stay the same and your breasts will enlarge, but how the end comes out is yet to be determined. You may need a lift as you also may lose some breast tissue .These are all normal following pregnancy.

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Answered by Robert J. Brueck MD, FACS

Your imlpants will stay the same and your breasts will enlarge, but how the end comes out is yet to be determined. You may need a lift as you also may lose some breast tissue .These are all normal following pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Paul Wigoda M.D.

Published on Jan 25, 2016

Everyone is different. Most women will have some change in their breasts after pregnancy but it could be minor, where you would not do anything, or it could be major, where you would want surgery to improve them. Its common for women to lose some of their breast tissue so they want to go larger afterward. It is also common for the breasts to sag, so if they sag enough, they may want a lift. You just need to wait until after your pregnancy and after you have finished breast feeding (if you are going to) to assess and see if you want to do anything. There is no need to start worrying about it now. Best of luck.

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Answered by Paul Wigoda M.D.

Everyone is different. Most women will have some change in their breasts after pregnancy but it could be minor, where you would not do anything, or it could be major, where you would want surgery to improve them. Its common for women to lose some of their breast tissue so they want to go larger afterward. It is also common for the breasts to sag, so if they sag enough, they may want a lift. You just need to wait until after your pregnancy and after you have finished breast feeding (if you are going to) to assess and see if you want to do anything. There is no need to start worrying about it now. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Published on Jan 25, 2016

Pregnancy will not affect the breast implants. The affects of pregnancy on the breasts vary from patient to patient. Many patients loose volume. Some gain volume afterwards and many develop sagging and or droopiness. But some other patients look the exact same after pregnancy and breast feeding. The implants will still be good but depending on the breast changes, patients may change the implants based on their other desired improvements.

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Answered by Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Pregnancy will not affect the breast implants. The affects of pregnancy on the breasts vary from patient to patient. Many patients loose volume. Some gain volume afterwards and many develop sagging and or droopiness. But some other patients look the exact same after pregnancy and breast feeding. The implants will still be good but depending on the breast changes, patients may change the implants based on their other desired improvements.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bahram Ghaderi, MD, FACS

Published on Jan 25, 2016

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Being pregnant will not have any impact on your implants, but will possibly change the shape and/or size of your own natural breast. Each person is different. Some will have larger breasts after pregnancy, some stay the same and some lose volume and their breasts sag more after being pregnant. I would wait until you are done having children, then consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the changes to your breast size/shape, if any.

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Answered by Bahram Ghaderi, MD, FACS

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Being pregnant will not have any impact on your implants, but will possibly change the shape and/or size of your own natural breast. Each person is different. Some will have larger breasts after pregnancy, some stay the same and some lose volume and their breasts sag more after being pregnant. I would wait until you are done having children, then consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the changes to your breast size/shape, if any.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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