Can I Get A Breast Lift After Breastfeeding?

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Dr. Eric Barker

February 25, 2022

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He then completed his combined training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. (Cook County) Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Barker was able to train under distinguished breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Anuja Antony, and prestigious cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook.

It is not unusual for women to experience changes in their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Still, problems like sagging skin and enlarged areolas may be a source of emotional distress. Now, plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker can create younger and firmer breasts through advanced cosmetic surgery.

Breast lift surgery has helped countless women across the country regain their self-confidence. Below, the specialists at Peak Plastic Surgery Center provide general information about this procedure and how our Denver, CO clinic can restore your breasts to their pre-pregnancy state.

What causes sagging skin around the breasts?

Many factors cause breasts to lose shape and firmness. Gravity, pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, and hormone changes all influence the appearance of our breasts over time. While breastfeeding alone does not cause sagging skin in the breast area, it can exacerbate the problem when combined with these other factors.

How does breast lift surgery work?

Peak Plastic Surgery Center can personalize breast lift surgery based on your current breast size and the degree of sagging involved. Once the excess skin is trimmed away and the remaining tissue pulled tight, Dr. Barker reduces or reconstructs the size of the areola to match the new breast. We can also recommend a fat transfer or breast implants if size or volume is a concern.

Here’s why our patients choose breast lift surgery with Dr. Barker:

  • Our experience and state-of-the-art surgical tools ensure safe and successful results

  • All procedures are customizable to help restore your breasts to their pre-pregnancy state

  • Our surgical staff is highly trained and works to protect your comfort and privacy at all times

  • We provide personalized attention for each patient at every stage of the breast lift process

Who is a candidate for breast lift surgery?

Ideal breast lift candidates are women who have completed childbearing and whose breasts no longer express milk. People who meet these qualifications are less likely to experience unwanted changes in their breasts after cosmetic surgery. Dr. Barker will also consider your overall health and concerns before making final recommendations in Denver, CO.

How long does it take to recover from a breast lift?

Dr. Barker will recommend a breast lift recovery plan that is unique to your situation and general health. Dressings should remain in place until your first follow-up appointment. Some discomfort is expected for 3-5 days, but we provide medications to manage any post-operative pain. Patients can be cleared for normal activities without restrictions after 2 – 3 months.

Is breast lift surgery permanent?

Breast lift results can last for years if you take good care of yourself and follow our post-surgical instructions. However, a breast lift cannot prevent future age-related changes to the breasts. Significant weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding may also alter your outcomes. Patients are welcome to return for a touch-up cosmetic surgery or other solutions as necessary.

Reduce sagging breasts from pregnancy and nursing

Breastfeeding is natural and provides many benefits for both mother and child. It is unfortunate that many women feel embarrassed because of changes to their breasts after pregnancy and nursing. Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker can help you restore your figure with a personalized breast lift procedure. Book a consultation at Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO to discuss your goals in greater detail.

A common question we receive at Peak Plastic Surgery is: Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? This is a frequent inquiry because there is often confusion about the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

When we talk about a mini tummy tuck, it specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button. Essentially, the goal is to flatten the area below the belly button by removing any excess abdominal skin. This procedure often targets damaged skin below the belly button, which is commonly caused by stretch marks. In many cases, this damage results from pregnancy in women or significant weight gain in men.

When patients call our office and speak with my coordinator prior to their consultation, we ask a few key questions to determine their concerns. If excess abdominal skin is mentioned, we follow up by asking:

  • Where is the excess skin located?
  • Is it all over the abdomen or just in the lower part?

If a patient indicates the issue is primarily in the lower abdomen, especially following a C-section, they are often ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty. C-section scars frequently tether to the abdominal wall, creating contour irregularities or an “overflow” of skin above the scar.

A mini tummy tuck is effective in removing this lower abdominal skin, and it can be combined with laser liposuction (performed while awake in my clinic) to achieve a smooth, flat appearance. However, candidacy also depends on other factors, including:

  • Weight status: Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Pregnancy history: Have you had a recent pregnancy?
  • Recovery timeline: Has enough time passed (typically 6–8 months) for your skin and subcutaneous tissues to heal and retract after pregnancy?

If you’re a mother, we need to evaluate where your muscles have settled after pregnancy. The abdominal muscles (rectus musculature) often separate in the middle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and while they may return to their normal position, they sometimes require surgical repair.

If muscle repair is necessary, the procedure will require general anesthesia. If not, the procedure can be done while you’re awake. All of these factors are assessed during your consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your mini abdominoplasty.

For many of my patients, the decision comes down to whether the excess skin is located only below the belly button. If there’s no excess skin above the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. In cases where there are additional skin or muscle concerns, we might discuss options like adding laser liposuction or performing muscle repair.

For mothers specifically, we recommend waiting at least 6–8 months after giving birth to allow the skin to heal and the abdominal muscles to settle. This ensures we have a clear picture of your body’s post-pregnancy recovery before proceeding with surgery.

It’s also worth noting that a mini abdominoplasty does not preclude future procedures. For instance, patients may later opt for a full tummy tuck due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals. While I prefer to achieve optimal results in one surgery whenever possible, patient goals and circumstances often evolve over time.

Ultimately, deciding on a mini tummy tuck depends on your individual goals and timeline. During your preoperative phone consultation with my coordinator, and later in your in-person consultation with me, we’ll discuss your concerns and expectations to determine the best surgical approach for you.

For those wondering if a mini tummy tuck is right for them: the ideal candidate is someone who is close to their goal weight and wants to address excess skin below the belly button. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors, this procedure can help patients achieve a flatter, more defined lower abdomen.

Even if you decide on a mini abdominoplasty now, you remain a candidate for a full tummy tuck in the future if needed. Our goal is to guide you through this process and ensure your surgical outcomes align with your long-term goals.

Learn more and schedule your consultation!