Breast Lift Surgery After Pregnancy: A Practical Mommy Makeover Option

By Dennis Hurwitz on October 05, 2014

Whether patients visit the main office in Pittsburgh or the other locations in Chadds Ford, Beverly Hills, and Sau Paulo, they can expect exceptional care from the team at The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery. We take pride in our ability to help patients look their very best. With regard to enhancing curves, we offer customized cosmetic breast surgery to enhance the size, shape, and perkiness of the bustline.

Breast lift surgery is a popular option for many women, particularly after they have given birth. Let's focus on why that is in this article.

About Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery (aka mastopexy) is a surgery that is performed in order to improve the pertness and perkiness of the breasts. During a breast lift, incisions are made in order to remove loose skin, make any necessary adjustments to underlying structures, and perk up the breasts in the process. This leads to a more youthful and appealing appearance.

The Effect of Pregnancy and Nursing on the Breasts

During pregnancy, a woman's body will undergo a number of changes. In addition to the weight fluctuations due to carrying a child to term, patients can also expect an increase in breast size. The size of the breasts will return to pre-pregnancy levels in the weeks after pregnancy and nursing, which can cause the breasts to sag or droop in a way that they did not prior to the pregnancy.

Why Breast Lift Surgery May Be Ideal

Given what breast lift surgery accomplishes and the effects of pregnancy on breast contour, breast lift surgery may be the ideal option for you if the size and shape of your breasts was affected by pregnancy. This is one of many ways for women to restore their appearance to what it was prior to pregnancy.

What to Expect from Breast Surgery

During breast lift surgery, patients are placed under general anesthetic in order to prevent undue distress and discomfort. The standard incisions for breast lift surgery are as follows:

• A circular incision around the areola
• An incision along the crease where the underside of the breast meets the chest
• A vertical incision along the lower curve of the breast connecting the previously mentioned incisions

Through these incisions, adjustments to the tissues can be made. Note that less extensive variations on the standard incisions can be done if the amount of sagging or drooping is not as severe. The exact incision method can be discussed during the consultation process.

What is scarring like after breast lift surgery?

The scarring after breast lift surgery is not as bad as one would think simply given the way the surgery has evolved and is performed. The scars fade with time, and surgeons are careful to ensure that any scarring is concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.

Combined Breast Augmentation and Lift After Pregnancy

In addition to a traditional breast lift, some patients may opt for a combined breast augmentation and lift. This procedure involves the use of breast implants to increase breast size as well as the removal of excess skin to improve perkiness of the breasts. Less extensive incisions may be used to perform this combined lift and augmentation depending on the patient's needs, and the entire procedure itself can be discussed during the consultation process.

Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery

For more information about breast lift surgery and if it would be an ideal option for you, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery offices today. The entire team at The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve the very best with regard to all of your aesthetic goals.

Announcing the Retirement of Dr. Dennis Hurwitz

Dr. Hurwitz is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon with a distinguished record of contributions to his field and community. His groundbreaking approach to post-operative care, which includes a dedicated team of aesthetic professionals to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process, was the first of its kind in Pittsburgh. Dr. Hurwitz has also earned a reputation as a highly sought-after educator, having instructed students from all over the globe. Through his unwavering dedication to his craft and passion for sharing his knowledge, Dr. Hurwitz has become a renowned practitioner, innovator, and mentor in plastic surgery.

As of early 2024, Dr. Hurwitz has retired from surgery. His innovative techniques and high standards of care continue to thrive under the expertise of Dr. Davlia and Dr. Turer, ensuring that his legacy endures through their exceptional work.