Breast Augmentation and Motherhood:
Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask
Pregnancy and motherhood are different for everyone. This stage of life can be exhilarating, exhausting, and transformative. Not only does being pregnant change and stretch the body, it dramatically shifts one’s priorities. Many mothers visit Clinique K, after they have decided not to have any more children, as a first step on the path back to their pre-pregnancy physique, and as a means to reconnect to themselves as women, and not just as mothers.
Tania, chief surgical nurse at Clinique K, answers some frequently asked questions from mothers, and mothers-to-be, about breast augmentation, and reveals some common motivating factors behind this life-changing procedure.
Why Breast Augmentation?
Aside from Dr. Schwarz, Tania is the main point person at Clinique K for women who are considering breast augmentation surgery. “It’s often a question of confidence,” Tania shares, speaking of the motivations behind the surgery. “It’s a journey towards helping you feel better about your body and your sexuality. Giving birth, breastfeeding, and caring for small children takes a toll on your body and mind. Breast augmentation is one way to help you feel pretty and sexy again.”
“Choosing to have the procedure done means giving yourself permission to focus on yourself, as well as to spend time and money on yourself,” she adds. “My patients often say that the procedure brought them new confidence and energy. It is very psychological. Many have shared that it is a personal decision, to help them feel better about their bodies.”
Is It Better to Get implants before or after Having Children?
“There is no steadfast rule and the decision is a personal one,” explains Tania. “However, many women choose to get breast augmentation surgery once they’ve decided not to have any more children.”
She adds, “Pregnancy and breastfeeding are likely to change the breasts. Genetics can determine the skin’s laxity and ability to bounce back. Stretching and laxity of the skin of the breasts sets in over multiple pregnancies and over time. Women seeking implants often feel that their breasts seem empty or deflated after childbirth, and especially after breastfeeding. Augmentation surgery can address this issue.”
A consultation with Dr. Schwarz is essential to evaluate the individual and unique needs of each patient, and to discuss which options will suit them best.
“There is a misconception that you cannot breastfeed if you have implants. This is not true.” Tania invites her patients to contact her at any time for advice on this or any other related question.
How Long after childbirth Can I Undergo Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The Clinique K team sees women for consultations at any stage. Patients find that talking through the options with professionals can be a big help in their decision-making process. “We’ve seen women come in for consultations mere weeks after giving birth,” shares Tania. “For some, this is a way to plan for a procedure at a future time when they will feel ready.”
In order to choose the correct implant size, patients are advised to wait until six months from the day they stopped breastfeeding to have the surgery, and also to be as close as possible to their pre-pregnancy weight. Women who have undergone post-pregnancy augmentation may also require a breast lift.“For most women, breast augmentation is not so much about getting bigger breasts, but rather to fill out the top of the breast that feels hollow after breastfeeding,” she adds. “A push-up bra doesn’t help if the top part of the breast is not full enough. When we do the lift, we replenish what is missing with an implant.”
What Can I Expect before and after My Surgery?
Tania is responsible for the initial consultation, during which she talks to the patient about their motivations for the surgery, their lifestyle, family, and about what they already know regarding breast augmentation and what they want to know.
“Some women are traumatized by what their friends have gone through, and by what they’ve seen on social media. This might make them apprehensive,” she says. “It’s my job to get to know each patient, reassure them, and ensure that they understand each stage and detail of the procedure,” explains Tania.
Patients can come in for an initial consultation with Tania and Dr. Schwarz, for 3D imaging and implant sizing, to familiarize themselves with the implants, and to have their questions answered. “We believe that there are no trivial or unimportant questions. We want to make sure our patients feel supported every step of the way.”
A few important post-op instructions for mothers who have undergone breast augmentation:
Limiting the range and frequency of arm movements is vital during the first 2 weeks after the surgery. This means that mothers should not lift their young children during those two weeks. More specifically, post-surgical patients should not lift anything over 10 pounds, and should completely avoid physical exertion. We also recommend not driving for 14 days after surgery. “ Breast augmentation surgery can certainly have an impact on a mother’s life for a short period of time. We have a lot of experience with mothers, as many on our team are mothers themselves, so we truly understand our patients’ needs and concerns.”
What Else Do I Need to Know as a Mother?
Many Clinique K patients opt for what is commonly referred to as a “Mommy Makeover.” In addition to breast augmentation, the patient undergoes a tummy tuck, with or without liposuction.
“The goal is always to help our patients feel good in their own skin,” explains Tania. “That is why we take the time to understand our patients’ objectives and motivations, to plan, and to ensure the best results.” To this she adds, “We maintain long-term relationships with our patients. I still get calls from past patients with questions, and I am happy to take the time to answer them. I do whatever it takes to help my patients, educate them, and set them on a path to inner and outer confidence.”
If you are a mother, or a mother-to-be, with questions about breast augmentation, schedule a first consultation with Dr. Schwarz at (514) 613-2979.
