How Soon After Breast Feeding Can I Have Breast Augmentation?

Q: I’m 25 years old and I just had my 4th daughter in February of this year. I am still breastfeeding and I am going to stop breastfeeding in two more weeks. How soon can I do my breast augmentation after I stop breastfeeding?

A: This is a common question as many women want to quickly improve the size and shape of their breasts after childbirthing. Obviously breast enhancement can not be done while actively breastfeeding so how soon after?  Breast augmentation, because it involves the placement of a synthetic implant, needs to be done as sterile as possible to avoid infection. Milk actively coming from a nipple with breast manipulation during surgery does pose an increased infection risk. You also want to be sure that the breast is adequately deflated and is still not engorged so one is working with a stable breast size that is not subject to further tissue changes after surgery. Most plastic surgeons would  recommend waiting at least 3 months after you have finished breast feeding before undergoing surgery. I would also recommend getting a consultation once you have finished breastfeeding to begin the consideration of implant options. It is also likely that after having four children that breast augmentation alone is not the only solution to better breasts. If there is any sagging (nipples at or below the lower breast crease), then a breast lift will need to be done at the same time as the implant placements. (mastopexy-augmentation)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana