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Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Is Right After Pregnancy?

Female doctor selecting breast implant with patient, representing personalized breast surgery consultation

Portrait of female doctor choosing mammary prosthesis with her patient over white background.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are transformative experiences—but they can significantly change your body, especially your breasts. After weaning, many women notice volume loss, sagging skin, and overall deflation of their breast shape. If you’ve looked in the mirror and felt like your body doesn’t reflect how you feel inside, you’re not alone.

At Dr. Mihail Climov’s practice in Spring, TX, we specialize in restoring your confidence through personalized breast enhancement procedures. The two most common post-pregnancy options are the breast lift and breast augmentation. Here’s how to know which one is right for you—or whether you may benefit from both.


How Pregnancy Affects the Breasts

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your breasts naturally enlarge and stretch to support milk production. But once your body returns to its pre-pregnancy hormonal balance, the volume may decrease rapidly—leaving behind stretched skin and a lack of firmness.

Common post-pregnancy breast concerns include:

  • Loss of volume (especially in the upper pole)
  • Deflated or flattened shape
  • Sagging or drooping breasts
  • Nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease
  • Uneven breast shape or size

These changes are completely normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them if they’re affecting your confidence or comfort.


What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation involves placing saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants to restore volume and enhance shape. It’s an excellent option for women who want to:

  • Replace lost volume after breastfeeding
  • Increase cup size
  • Improve cleavage and breast fullness
  • Correct natural asymmetry

Dr. Climov uses advanced surgical techniques and offers a wide selection of implant styles, shapes, and sizes to match your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Ideal Candidates for Augmentation:

  • Minimal to no sagging
  • Nipples still sit at or above the breast crease
  • Good skin tone and elasticity
  • Desire for larger or fuller breasts

Breast augmentation alone does not significantly lift the breasts—so if your nipples droop or your skin is loose, a lift may also be needed.


What Is a Breast Lift?

breast lift (mastopexy) addresses sagging by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast to a more youthful position. It’s especially beneficial if your breast size is fine, but the shape or nipple position isn’t.

What a breast lift does:

  • Removes stretched, excess skin
  • Elevates the nipple and areola
  • Restores a rounder, perkier contour
  • Can reduce areola size if enlarged during pregnancy

Unlike augmentation, a lift does not add volume—though it may give the illusion of more fullness by reshaping and lifting existing tissue.

Ideal Candidates for a Breast Lift:

  • Sagging or drooping breasts (nipples fall below the crease)
  • Flattened or elongated breast shape
  • Stretched areolas
  • Happy with size but unhappy with shape or position

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: A Quick Comparison

Feature Breast Lift Breast Augmentation
Increases breast volume No (unless paired with implants) Yes
Lifts sagging tissue Yes Not significantly
Nipple repositioning Yes No
Incision types Anchor, lollipop, donut Inframammary or periareolar
Best for Sagging, deflated breasts Volume loss with minimal sag

Can You Combine a Breast Lift and Augmentation?

Yes—and for many women, this is the ideal solution. A combined breast lift with augmentation can:

  • Restore both volume and youthful contour
  • Improve fullness, shape, and nipple placement
  • Address both deflation and sagging in a single procedure

This combo is one of the most popular choices for women undergoing a Mommy Makeover at our Spring, TX clinic.


What to Expect with Surgery

Your Consultation

At your initial consultation, Dr. Climov will:

  • Discuss your concerns, medical history, and goals
  • Perform a physical exam to assess skin elasticity, breast position, and volume
  • Recommend a custom plan that may include augmentation, a lift, or both
  • Review implant options and incision types (if applicable)

The Procedure

All surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and typically take:

  • 1–1.5 hours for augmentation only
  • 2–3 hours for a lift or combined procedure

You’ll return home the same day and receive detailed aftercare instructions.


Recovery Timeline

Healing varies by individual and procedure type, but most patients can expect:

  • Weeks 1–2: Mild swelling, soreness, and tightness. Wear a surgical bra 24/7.
  • Weeks 3–4: Resume light activities and desk work.
  • Week 6+: Begin normal exercise, including strength training.
  • Months 3–6: Final results settle as swelling resolves and scars fade.

Dr. Climov will see you for follow-ups to ensure healing is smooth and results meet your expectations.


Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have visible scars?
Yes, but Dr. Climov uses precise techniques to minimize and strategically place incisions. Most scars fade significantly over time and are hidden by bras or swimwear.

Do implants look natural?
With proper sizing and placement, yes. Dr. Climov emphasizes natural results and selects implants that complement your frame and goals.

Will I be able to breastfeed in the future?
Possibly. Many women retain the ability to breastfeed after breast surgery, but it depends on the technique used. Let us know if you plan to have more children.

Are the results permanent?
Yes, though aging and gravity continue over time. Long-lasting results are supported by maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras.


Why Women in Spring, TX Trust Dr. Climov

  • Double board-certified with expertise in breast and body contouring
  • Warm, patient-first approach and honest consultations
  • Custom treatment plans that align with your natural anatomy
  • High safety standards and meticulous surgical technique
  • Outstanding follow-up care and long-term support

Whether you’re a new mom, done breastfeeding, or simply ready to reclaim your confidence, we’re here to help.


Ready to Restore Your Confidence?

You don’t have to settle for feeling “off” in your own body. Whether you choose a breast liftbreast augmentation, or both, Dr. Climov can help you achieve a natural, feminine result that reflects who you are today.

Serving patients in Spring, The Woodlands, and Greater Houston

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward your transformation.

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