Post‑pregnancy breast changes are extremely common, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the size, shape, and firmness of the breasts. As the breasts enlarge during pregnancy and milk production, the skin and ligaments stretch, and once breastfeeding ends, the tissue may not return to its previous position. This can lead to breast sagging, volume loss, or a deflated appearance.
Many women explore options such as a breast lift or breast augmentation to restore a fuller, more youthful contour. Understanding how pregnancy impacts breast tissue helps you make informed decisions about your post‑pregnancy body and the treatments that can help you feel confident again.
New research suggests that the belief in breastfeeding as cause of ptosis is unfounded. A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that the number of past pregnancies had a more significant impact on the shape of the breasts than breastfeeding. The researchers concluded that ptosis after pregnancy was caused not by breastfeeding but by hormone regression and increased strain on breast skin from the engorgement of pregnancy.
The article states:
“A history of breastfeeding was not found to be associated with a greater degree of breast ptosis in patients presenting for post pregnancy aesthetic breast surgery. Age and cigarette smoking, both of which are associated with a loss of skin elasticity, were found to be positive predictors for breast ptosis, as were larger prepregnancy bra cup size and number of pregnancies. Whereas breast ptosis appears to increase with each additional pregnancy, breastfeeding does not seem to worsen these effects.”
Based on their findings, the researchers suggested that women should not avoid breastfeeding as a way to maintain their breast shape and volume: “Expectant mothers should be reassured that breastfeeding does not appear to have an adverse effect upon breast appearance, beyond the effects of pregnancy alone.”
If you are interested in reversing the effects of pregnancy through breast lift surgery, contact our Chicago area office for more information, or to schedule a consultation.
