Too scared to breastfeed! What to do if breast sagging after childbirth? Doctors reveal 2 tips to save "bag breasts"
On Dcard, we often see netizens sharing photos of postpartum “papaya breasts” or “bag breasts” breasts sagging and shrinking, which makes many expectant mothers feel worried and even fearful of the physical changes after pregnancy. They leave messages and ask anxious questions. : “Will the breasts definitely become bigger after giving birth? Can it be avoided by not breastfeeding?” Regarding these questions, Cai Yunda, a senior breast surgeon who specializes in aesthetics, came forward to answer these questions and analyzed the “postpartum breast changes” that pregnant women are most concerned about. " question, and compares the differences and applicability of breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries to help postpartum women regain their confidence.
Postpartum breast sagging and atrophy: not only caused by breastfeeding
During the period from pregnancy to postpartum breastfeeding, female breasts gradually swell. However, after breastfeeding or the lactation period ends, as the mammary glands shrink, the breasts will also lose fullness and elasticity, and even quickly become loose and sagging, which has become a common evil faced by many mothers. Dream. However, some netizens left messages saying that even if they did not breastfeed, their breasts would still become loose after childbirth. On the contrary, some mothers shared that their breasts remained firm and plump despite breastfeeding for three babies. Will breastfeeding cause breast sagging and atrophy?
Dr. Cai Yunda cited research and pointed out that up to 80% of postpartum women report varying degrees of breast sagging or shrinkage. However, the culprit behind this cannot be attributed solely to “breastfeeding”. Dr. Cai explained that due to hormonal fluctuations in the body during pregnancy, breast and fatty tissue proliferate rapidly, causing the breast size to swell significantly. Especially for some mothers who gained a lot of weight during pregnancy or whose constitution makes it easier for them to produce milk, even if they stop breastfeeding, or even take anti-lactogenic injections or take anti-lactogenic drugs, the skin has lost its elasticity, and the breast suspensory ligaments (Cooper’s ligament) that originally supported the breast shape have lost their elasticity. ligament may also loosen and break due to over-stretching, eventually causing the chest to move uphill or even shrink like a wind-absorbing balloon.
As for whether breast sagging will definitely occur after giving birth? Dr. Cai explains that in addition to the duration of breastfeeding and the amount of milk, the mother’s age, personal physique, number of pregnancies, smoking habits, whether she has lost weight quickly, and even whether she wore underwear during pregnancy, etc., will also affect the degree of postpartum breast deformation.
Should I choose breast augmentation or breast lift after childbirth? Identifying changes in breast shape is key
The postpartum breast changes that worry mothers the most can be divided into two phenomena: “sagging” and “atrophy.” In this regard, Dr. Cai Yunda shared 2 effective solutions to help mothers regain the fullness and firmness of their breasts. Breast atrophy and flatness—breast augmentation surgery: When breasts shrink in size and become dry and flat due to loss of breast tissue after childbirth, breast augmentation surgery is an effective method to restore fullness. Breast augmentation surgery usually uses prosthesis or autologous fat as filler to increase the volume of the breasts and restore the natural and full curves of the breasts. This surgery is especially suitable for young women who have severe breast atrophy but still have good skin elasticity, or who have originally planned to have breast augmentation.
Sagging and sagging breasts—breast lift surgery: Multiple pregnancies and frequent breastfeeding may cause damage to the breast supporting tissue. Even if the breast volume does not decrease, problems such as loose skin, downward movement of the nipples, and deformed breast shape may still occur. “Breast lift surgery” can improve the appearance of the breasts and reshape the nipples and breasts by removing excess skin, making the breasts look firmer and more supportive. It is very suitable for breasts whose volume remains unchanged but whose appearance is obviously “hilly” " women.
For women with breast sagging and atrophy, a single surgery may not achieve the desired results. At this time, Dr. Cai Yunda suggested considering composite breast augmentation surgery. This method combines breast lift and breast augmentation, which can not only improve the position of the breasts and solve the problem of sagging, but also restore the fullness and curve of the breasts through implants. In addition, if you are not satisfied with the size of your nipples or areola, you can also combine nipple reduction or areola reduction surgery with composite breast augmentation to make your breasts look more coordinated and beautiful.
Preoperative simulation is more accurate, regaining beautiful breasts is not a dream
For mothers who plan to reconstruct their breasts, Dr. Cai recommends that they conduct an evaluation six months after breastfeeding, when the breast condition is relatively stable. In addition, through the measurement of the breast augmentation simulation system, the postoperative results will be more natural and accurate.
Postpartum breast sagging or atrophy not only affects daily life, but also affects the intimate relationship between couples. Dr. Cai Yunda reminded that mothers should give themselves time to adapt to their new postpartum status and do not need to feel excessively inferior. Choose a professional doctor who is familiar with breast tissue and has extensive experience in performing surgery to create a customized plan that is unique to you. Whether it is a simple breast augmentation or breast lift, or a combination of the two, it will help improve the appearance of the breasts and also improve the appearance of the breasts. It can simultaneously solve the problems of fleshless upper breasts and unsightly clothes, and help mothers regain their prenatal confidence and beauty.
