Breast Reduction after Pregnancy

There is no denying that a woman’s body changes when she is pregnant. The midsection and breasts undergo a dramatic transformation.

The breasts begin to increase in size as early as eight weeks into pregnancy. By the time the baby is born, the breasts may be up to two cup sizes larger.

Plastic surgery can restore a woman’s figure after pregnancy by lifting, tightening, or eliminating fat and skin tissues. A breast reduction decreases the size of the breasts to create a perkier bustline that is more proportionate to the rest of the body.

Experienced plastic surgeon Stephen P. Hardy can perform breast reduction after pregnancy for our Missoula, MT patients.

Candidates

Patients should not have any medical conditions that would increase the risk of plastic surgery.

Most women who consider breast reduction after pregnancy already had a large, heavy bustline prior to becoming pregnant. In other cases, the breasts may not have lost all the volume that was gained during pregnancy.

If the breasts are still overly large after you have lost your pregnancy weight and stopped breastfeeding, then a breast reduction may be the best solution.

How Long Should I Wait to Undergo Breast Reduction after Pregnancy?

It can take several months for a woman’s weight to stabilize after pregnancy and for the breasts to settle into their new size and shape.

Each patient will recover on her own timeframe, but Dr. Hardy generally recommends waiting at least four to six months after having a baby and completing breastfeeding.

After this amount of time has passed, you can schedule your consultation for your breast reduction surgery.

The Procedure

Dr. Hardy performs breast reduction surgery with the patient under the effects of general anesthesia. Dr. Hardy will make the incision so he can remove excess fat and skin tissues.

There are various techniques that can be used for a breast reduction, and each procedure will be customized to the specific needs of each patient. Typically, an incision will be made around the areola, down the length of the breast, and possibly across the underside of the breast.

Along with eliminating excess breast tissue, Dr. Hardy will reshape and reposition the breasts. The areolas may also be reshaped or relocated to a higher position.

When all the changes have been made, Dr. Hardy will close the incision and recovery will begin.

After healing from breast reduction surgery, patients will enjoy smaller, perkier breasts that do not feel heavy or cause physical discomfort.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you are dissatisfied with the size or shape of your breasts after pregnancy, breast surgery can help. To learn more about the procedures offered by Dr. Stephen P. Hardy, contact us at your earliest convenience. You can call (406) 728-3811 to set up a personal consultation.