Fast facts
Breast Augmentation
What it is: a plastic surgery procedure to enlarge breast size by inserting saline or silicone breast implants

What it addresses:

- Dissatisfaction with small breast size
- Changes in breasts post-pregnancy
- Breast asymmetry
- Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
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Was it worth it?

Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

87% Tummy tuck
87% Breast implants
85% Silicone breast implants
85% Pixel laser
83% Invisalign
81% Blepharoplasty
81% Smart Lipo
80% Saline breast implants
79% VASER Liposelection
79% Facelift
76% Laser hair removal
75% Laser resurfacing
75% Lasik
74% Botox
74% Rhinoplasty
73% Fraxel Repair
73% Permanent makeup
70% Deep FX
68% Active FX
66% Chemical peel
64% Juvederm
62% Microdermabrasion
61% Restylane
61% Perlane
58% Sculptra
56% Liposuction
55% IPL
53% Fraxel Laser
53% Radiesse
50% Accent XL
49% Mesotherapy
41% Zoom teeth whitening
41% Lifestyle lift
40% TITAN
37% Lipodissolve
37% Thermage
33% Brite Smile
18% Velashape
14% Thread lift
10% Velasmooth

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Question

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.

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Asked by: Beth K. from Philadelphia, PA

Answers (3)

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1
July 10, 2008

Lactation should not be affected by breast implants

Richard P. Rand, MD
Richard P. Rand, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

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.

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2
March 26, 2008

Most Patients Are Still Able To Breast Feed After Augmentation

Gregory A. Buford, MD
Gregory A. Buford, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

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.

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3
March 26, 2008

Breast is still the best

Kim Meathrel, MD
Kim Meathrel, MD

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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