Breast feeding with breast implants - is it possible? What are the risks?
After years of trying, my husband and I just found out that we are about to have our first child. I am ecstatic, but I am very worried that the breast augmentation I had about 7 years ago will interfere with my ability to breast feed. And even if I can breast feed my baby, would I be putting him or her at risk by doing so? Can anyone shed some light on this subject? I would really appreciate it.
Answers (4)
Breast implants do not usually interfere with breast feeding
Breast augmentation does NOT usually interfere with breast feeding.
As long as the implants are placed though an inframammary incision (in the fold underneath the breast), the entire breast gland will remain intact and the function of the breast will not be disrupted.
If an implant is inserted through a periareolar incision (around the areola) or through the nipple (trans-areolar incision), milk ducts are more likely to have been cut and although milk will be produced when the breast is lactating, it may not have a smooth pathway through the ducts to the nipple.
Trans-axillary incisions will also not likely disrupt the milk ducts and will preserve the function of the breast.
Breast milk is the most natural, healthy and inexpensive form of nourishment to a baby.
Regardless of the type of implant (saline or silicone), breast feeding after having breast implants placed is safe, and should be possible.
"Breast (milk) is BEST!"
Lactation should not be affected by breast implants
Congratulations on your pregnancy! If your body was capable of lactation before your implants were placed, it should be able to do so after and there is no known risk to you or your baby.
Most Patients Are Still Able To Breast Feed After Augmentation
Your question is a common one and a big concern for clients interested in breast augmentation who also plan on having children. Although a very small subset of patients have difficulty breastfeeding following this procedure, most do not.
To lower the risks of interfering with breastfeeding, the general recommendation is to avoid the periareolar incision (because of the risk for interfering with nipple sensation) and to place the implant under the muscle.
And to make you feel better, breast implants should pose no risk to your breastfeeding infant.
Breast is still the best
Congratulations on your pregnancy! There are so many documented advantages to breastfeeding your child (for both mom and baby) that I always suggest women try it.
Most women with implants are able to breastfeed because the implants cause very minimal disruption of the breast gland itself. Even if the implants are sitting submammary, the dissection usually doesn't disconnect the gland from the nipple.
You can expect the usual amount of breast expansion/engorgement with breastfeeding and the usual amount of breast deflation and droop that most women experience after finishing breastfeeding. This means you may need a revision surgery in the future in the same way that many women request augmentation or mastopexy after pregnancy.
There are no documented risks to babies - a study was even completed on women with silicone implants and there was no evidence of increased silicone in the breast milk.
Breastfeeding is difficult for many women - even those who have never had surgery on their breasts. Stick with it and get some support - try contacting your local La Leche League or attending breastfeeding classes or support groups. Breastfeeding is well worth it.
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