National Breastfeeding Awareness Month is a campaign that takes place during August to promote awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. It originated in 2011 with the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), whose goal is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
The USBC believes breast milk is the most appropriate source of nutrition for infants. This belief is supported by science. New research shows that babies fed exclusively breast milk for six months are at a lower risk of ear infections, respiratory illness and diabetes. Research also shows they are also less likely to suffer from childhood obesity.
Dr. George Sanders believes that whether or not a woman breastfeeds is a personal decision. However, one of the realities of breastfeeding is that it can have a tremendous effect on the appearance of the breasts.
The Cosmetic Effects on the Breasts
In his many years of plastic surgery practice, Dr. Sanders has worked with thousands of women who have pursued cosmetic breast surgery after pregnancy and nursing. These women usually share one or both of the following concerns:
- The breasts lost their full, shapely quality and look flat or “deflated”
- The breasts developed ptosis (sagging) and hang down on the chest unattractively
What has happened is that while nursing, the increased breast volume stretches the skin. When the milk-producing structures return to their pre-pregnancy state, the skin remains stretched and the breast tissue has often decreased, leading to an empty or stretched-out appearance. One or both breasts can be affected, sometimes resulting in asymmetry.
These changes are purely cosmetic and do not have any bearing on the health of the mother. However, they can cause her to feel embarrassed or self-conscious of her appearance.
How Dr. Sanders Can Help
Dr. Sanders, a trusted breast surgeon in Los Angeles, offers several types of cosmetic breast surgery. Breast lift is the most commonly requested procedure for mothers with nursing-related changes in the breasts. Breast lift elevates sagging breasts and restores them to a more youthful and “perky” position on the chest. Breast lift does not affect the size of the breasts, but it can improve the shape.
Breast augmentation enhances the size of the breasts with the placement of implants, usually silicone-filled. Implants come in round or “teardrop” shapes, and are selected according to the individual patient’s needs and preferences.
Breast augmentation and breast lift can be combined into one operation to comprehensively improve the size, shape and position of the breasts.
Are You Self-Conscious of Your Breasts?
If you feel embarrassed by your post-breastfeeding bust, Dr. Sanders would be happy to explain your treatment options during a private consultation. Please call (818) 981-3333 today to make an appointment.
