Being a mother is one of the greatest joys in life, but it can also bring a number of unwanted changes to your body. Even a healthy, moderate amount of weight gain during pregnancy can stretch out the skin and leave unsightly stretchmarks. Breastfeeding also changes the size and shape of your breasts, as the breasts tend to swell due to milk production. Once pregnancy and breastfeeding are over, the breasts tend to shrink in size, causing the stretched out skin to droop and the breasts to sag. While some breast sagginess is to be expected and is unavoidable, there are several ways you can boost the appearance of your breasts following your pregnancy.
Wear the Right Bra
Wearing the wrong bra size or an unsupportive bra can put stress on the breast skin as you move around. Keep in mind that the bras you wore before pregnancy most likely will no longer fit properly and will not adequately support your breasts. The best way to find a well-fitting bra is to be professionally measured in a specialty lingerie store. When exercising, be sure to wear a sturdy sports bra that offers enough support. High impact activities such as running will require more support than low impact exercises such as yoga.
Lose the Baby Weight at a Slow Pace
Many women look forward to restoring their pre-pregnancy bodies by shedding the baby weight right away. However, extreme weight loss and gain in a short amount of time can affect the breast skin’s elasticity and lead to sagging. Slow and steady weight loss gives breast skin more time to repair and recover.
Moisturize
Like facial skin, breast skin is delicate and should be moisturized daily. Moisturizing your breasts can help maintain the skin’s elasticity and increase collagen production in the breast skin. Collagen keeps the breast skin tight and firm and helps prevent sagginess.
Exercise Your Chest
For a “natural” lift, incorporate chest exercises, such as pushups and dumbbell presses, into your fitness routine. Chest exercises may strengthen your core and back muscles, which can improve your posture. Standing up tall and sitting up straight can make sagging breasts appear lifted.
Consider Breast Lift Surgery
While practicing these tips is a good way to prevent saggy breasts, the only proven way to perk your breasts is through breast lift surgery. Leading Vancouver plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Pugash has helped hundreds of women achieve perkier breasts after pregnancy and nursing. A breast lift removes excess, stretched-out breast skin and lifts the nipples to a higher position on the chest. The result is perkier, more youthful-looking breasts. For long-lasting, beautiful results, Dr. Pugash recommends his patients undergo breast lift surgery only after they decide on not becoming pregnant or breastfeeding again.
To find out if you are a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery, or to learn more about the procedure itself, contact Dr. Eric Pugash. Schedule a one-on-one consultation by calling (604) 522-5199.