Should I Wait Until After Pregnancy to Undergo a Breast Augmentation?

Posted October 09, 2025 in Breast Augmentation

Women planning for breast augmentation often worry about how the procedure will impact their future family plans. Should they have the surgery now or wait until after pregnancy to enhance their breasts? We will discuss the impact of pregnancy on breast augmentation, whether women with implants can breastfeed, and the optimal timing to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

4 Min Read:

Pregnancy and Breast Implants: What You Need to Know

Many women undergo breast enhancement long before they are ready for a family, when they can take ample recovery time and fully enjoy the results. You don’t have to wait until after you’ve had your children to achieve your aesthetic goals. However, there are several factors to consider if you plan to have a baby in the future.

Breast Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy results in substantial hormonal fluctuations that impact numerous bodily functions. The breasts become a focal point of these changes as the body prepares itself for feeding your baby after birth.

Your breast size increases throughout pregnancy, causing the surrounding skin to stretch and form stretch marks. One of the only times women can grow new fat cells is during adolescence and pregnancy.  Breast implants may add to the strain as your skin now must accommodate the weight of your expanding breasts and the implants inside.

Will My Breasts Return to Normal After Pregnancy?

In most cases, the breasts return to their original contour after pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, some women find that their breasts continue to sag, the skin remains loose, and stretch marks may become permanent.

Dr. Thomas Taylor performs surgical breast lifts for women who are unhappy with their body contour after pregnancy. Dr. Taylor even offers this procedure using local anesthetic for some patients, known as an “awake breast lift,” reducing anesthesia-related risks.

Morpheus8 is another option to tighten the skin around the breast area. This is a non-surgical option and has zero downtime for recovery. The most optimal results are achieved with multiple sessions, typically three.

Will Breast Implants From Breast Augmentation Surgery Affect Breastfeeding?

While most women with breast implants can breastfeed, there are a few factors to consider when planning your breast augmentation to increase your odds for success.

Common Challenges in Breastfeeding

Any woman can face challenges with breastfeeding, with or without implants. Some of those obstacles might include:

• Latching Issues: A baby with a poor latch may not receive sufficient milk intake, which may cause discomfort for the mother during breastfeeding sessions.
• Low Milk Supply: Most women produce enough milk for their newborns, but new mothers often worry that their baby isn’t getting sufficient nutrition.
• Sore or Cracked Nipples: Incorrect positioning or poor latch may intensify nipple tenderness, making it difficult for a woman to breastfeed regularly.
• Engorgement: This condition occurs with too much milk supply, resulting in swollen and painful breasts.

While previous breast augmentation doesn’t necessarily cause any of these issues, implants can exacerbate them for some women. Fortunately, advanced planning of your breast augmentation can go far in alleviating these concerns.

Surgical Techniques for Future Breastfeeding Success

Women who undergo breast enhancement surgery should talk to their surgeon about their future family plans. Your doctor can take steps to reduce potential breastfeeding complications associated with breast implants, such as:

Choosing the Right Incision Location

Incision locations for breast augmentation might include:

• Inframammary: Under the breast
• Periareolar: Around the areola/nipple

Inframammary incisions are usually best for women who want to have children, since they are the least likely to damage milk ducts or glandular tissue.

Implant Placement Options

Implants may be placed beneath the pectoral muscle or over the muscle within the breast tissue. For women interested in breastfeeding in the future, implants placed under the chest muscle are less apt to interfere with milk supply or the flow of milk through the ducts. Dr. Taylor will discuss the pros and cons of each placement option to determine the best approach for you.

Ready to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Pasadena, CA?

Dr. Taylor has extensive experience in all types of body contouring procedures, including surgical breast enhancement. If you want to learn more about this life-changing procedure, call our team at Taylor Plastic Surgery Center at (626) 577-7730 or complete our online contact form today.