How Soon After a Silicone Breast Implant Removal Can I Start Fertility Treatment?

Question

I have had my silicone breast implants for over 5 years and have made the decision to have them removed rather than the MRI monitoring for rupture. I have had a child and successfully breastfed during the time of having my implants. I would like to try to have another child. How soon after removal can I start fertility treatment? Also, would the removal impact breast feeding? Thank you, NGS

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fertility clinics have different regimens so they are the ones to ask this question. Usually 2-3 months is sufficient, but they may have a protocol they follow. I hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

After implant removal, 4 to 6 weeks to form a stable scar that puts you at less risk for infection, hematoma, and fluid collection should be observed.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

The timing of starting fertility treatment after silicone breast implant removal can vary depending on several factors, including your overall health, the reason for implant removal, and your plastic surgeon's recommendations. Here are some general considerations:
1.	Healing Time: Your body needs time to heal after breast implant removal surgery. It's essential to allow sufficient time for the incisions to heal, swelling to subside, and any potential complications to be addressed before starting fertility treatment.
2.	Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Before starting fertility treatment, it's crucial to consult with both your surgeon who performed the implant removal and your fertility specialist. They can assess your individual situation and provide recommendations based on your health status and the specifics of your surgery.
3.	Hormonal Balance: Breast implant removal surgery can sometimes affect hormonal balance, which may impact fertility. Your healthcare providers may want to monitor your hormone levels and ensure they are stable before starting fertility treatment.
4.	Personal Factors: Considerations such as your age, reproductive health, and any underlying medical conditions may also influence the timing of fertility treatment after breast implant removal.
5.	Post-Operative Recovery: It's essential to prioritize your post-operative recovery and give your body time to heal fully before undergoing additional medical procedures, including fertility treatment.
Ultimately, the decision on when to start fertility treatment after silicone breast implant removal should be made in collaboration with your healthcare providers. They can provide you with guidance and recommendations based on your individual circumstances and help ensure that you're in the best possible health before starting fertility treatment.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Your “fertility doctor” will be in the best position to advise you precisely. I do not see any reason why the treatments cannot be started relatively quickly after removal of breast implants. I'm sure your  fertility specialist will want to have all of the medications used during the time of breast surgery to be out your system.

	 Breast implant removal will not negatively impact your ability to breast-feed.

	 Best wishes with ALL of your planned  “projects”.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

That question is best posed to the fertility physician. As to nursing, you should not have any deleterious effects from the removal.

	Thanks and best wishes.

How Soon After a Silicone Breast Implant Removal Can I Start Fertility Treatment?

Answers (6)