Many Chicago women believe that breastfeeding has a negative impact on the appearance of their breasts. When seeking body contouring procedures after pregnancy, women often mention that lactation and breastfeeding contributed to the loss of breast shape or volume. Reports indicate that among the most important reasons women choose not to breastfeed their infants is their concern over changes in breast shape. Such attitudes are found in a number of cultures, socioeconomic settings, and age groups.
A recent study addressing the effects of breastfeeding on breast shape was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The study concluded that the number of past pregnancies, rather than breastfeeding, was found to be more important. Breast sagging, or ptosis, after pregnancy was attributed to hormone regression and increased strain on breast skin from the engorgement of pregnancy. The article states, “A history of breastfeeding was not found to be associated with a greater degree of breast ptosis in patients presenting for postpregnancy aesthetic breast surgery. Age and cigarette smoking, both of which are associated with a loss of skin elasticity, were found to be positive predictors for breast ptosis, as were larger prepregnancy bra cup size and number of pregnancies. Whereas breast ptosis appears to increase with each additional pregnancy, breastfeeding does not seem to worsen these effects. Expectant mothers should be reassured that breastfeeding does not appear to have an adverse effect upon breast appearance, beyond the effects of pregnancy alone.” Learn more about Breast Implants in Chicago.
Source: Aesthetic Surgery Journal, The Effect of Breastfeeding on Breast Aesthetics, Brian Rinker, MD, Melissa Veneracion, MD, Catherine P. Walsh, MD, Volume 28, Issue 5, Pages 534-537