Can you still breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

The breast augmentation procedure is more and more in demand. This means that each year, many women resort to this surgical intervention to enhance the aspect of their breasts and get a more proportionate figure. With the rise in demand for the procedure, there is also a rise in questions about the intervention. And one of the most popular of these questions is whether patients can still breastfeed after undergoing a boob job.

If you do a search online regarding breastfeeding after a breast augmentation, things might become even more confusing. Some experts claim that the procedure is risk-free when it comes to breastfeeding, while others mention potential issues with not being able to produce enough milk if you have breast implants. But the truth is in between. Let’s see together if breastfeeding is possible after breast augmentation and if it’s safe for you and the baby to breastfeed, and the potential risks.

Breastfeeding after breast implant surgery

Is it possible to breastfeed if you have breast implants? The short answer is “yes.” However, breast implants could limit the patient’s ability to produce enough milk. But this ability is also dependent on the type of surgical intervention that was performed, the placement of the incisions and the implants, and other factors.

It’s important to mention that some women might have issues with breastfeeding even if they don’t have breast implants. In other words, breastfeeding is not guaranteed, with or without breast implants. In the vast majority of cases, getting a breast implant won’t have a negative impact on your ability to breastfeed. But it’s also crucial to understand how breast implants could affect breastfeeding, even if the risk is low.

How can breast implants have an impact on breastfeeding

We’ve mentioned before that there are some aspects to keep in mind when it comes to breast implants and breastfeeding. The ability to breastfeed can be influenced by these factors:

• The position of the incisions

For the breast augmentation surgery, the plastic surgeon might recommend one of the following types of incisions:

-      Inframammary (in the fold under the breasts);

-      Periareolar (around the areola’s edge);

-      Tranxaxillary (in the axilla).

A periareolar incision is a good option that leaves behind minimal scarring but is only suitable for small volume breast implants. At the same time, making an incision around the areola can cause damage to the nerves and affect the neuro-hormonal reflux that is mandatory to produce and release milk. Changes in sensitivity at the level of the incisions are common after surgery. In most cases, the changes (usually it is numbness) are only temporary, but in some cases, they can become permanent. This might affect the mother’s ability to breastfeed.

This is the reason why the plastic surgeon should discuss this issue with the patient. If the patient plans to get pregnant in the future and breastfeed, the inframammary incision might be preferred for the breast augmentation surgery.

• The placement of the breast implants

Breastfeeding can be affected if the size of the implant affects the tissues of the breasts. The breast is made out of glandular tissue, and this is where the milk is produced. If the implant is placed between the glandular tissue and the muscle, there is a higher risk for the implant to put pressure on the milk ducts that ensure there is a good flow of milk. At the same time, it’s important to mention that placing the implant under the pectoral muscles can reduce the impact implants can have on breastfeeding and milk production. In other words, if you are planning to breastfeed in the future, make sure to discuss with your surgeon about getting implants inserted in pockets under the muscles (submuscular placement).

• The functionality of the natural breast tissue

In some cases, the breast augmentation procedure is recommend because the breasts didn’t develop normally. The abnormal development of the breasts can also indicate a lack of functional breast tissue. In this case, the inability to breastfeed doesn’t have much to do with the breast implants but with the natural breast tissue. The initial functionality of the glandular tissue is probably the most important factor when it comes to breastfeeding. This is also the reason why some women are unable to breastfeed, even if their breasts look normal and they don't have breast implants.

Is it safe to breastfeed if you have breast implants?

The silicone used to make breast implants is safe for the mother and the baby too. More than this, with the new generation of breast implants, even if the implants rupture, the silicone can’t migrate in the breast tissue. This means that it’s very unlikely that silicone ends up in the maternal milk or the tummy of the baby.

Final words

In a vast majority of cases, women with breast implants can breastfeed if they have a functional glandular tissue, if the milk duct network hasn’t been severely damaged due to the position of the incision, and the breast implants don’t put too much pressure on the breast tissues. The technique and the surgical approach used during the breast implant surgery can have an impact on the patient’s ability to breastfeed post-op and the quantity of milk that can be produced. It’s crucial to discuss your concerns and ask for details about the procedure when meeting with the plastic surgeon before the intervention.

A talented and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Essie Yates can recommend a suitable surgical plan for your particular case and depending on your specific needs and desires. Schedule an appointment today at the Yates Institute for Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale.