Want BA for 34D. Don't plan on kids for 5 yrs and want to breastfeed. Will implants impact breastfeeding/vice versa? (photo)

Good day! Thank you for providing photos with your query. Your ability to breastfeed after surgery will depend on a few factors from your procedure such as the incision, placement of the implant or the size of the implant. Yes, your breasts will eventually sag due to enlargement during pregnancy and after breastfeeding, but you may undergo breast lift procedure if you wish. Also, under the muscle location of the implant can help you have higher chances of successful breastfeeding experience but there are other factors that can affect this. One example is the sensitivity of your nipple area. It will either be too sensitive and painful during breastfeeding or the nerves will not be as responsive and the neurohormonal reflex won't get triggered. Lastly, the pressure of the implants can affect passageways and glands that can slow down the flow of the milk. When this happens, engoregement or mastitis can occur. I would suggest to find a board-certified surgeon that has extensive experience with your situation and discuss realistic goals and further details of your concern. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Great choice and I respect your planning ahead to prepare!  Here are some considerations:1.  If you are the top pic in the 2 above, under the muscle is best for you2.  Think about a size that is in proportion to your figure so that the implants look natural.  With that in mind,  you will likely be happy with the result for years to come as your body evolves through aging and raising your family3. Try on sizers to get a real idea of how the implant looks4. As a woman, I recommend the fold incision which allows easy access to the below muscle position and does not violate in any way the breast tissue.  The scar will be nicely positioned and since there is virtually no bleeding and neither the muscle or gland are cut- you will have a comfortable recovery.5.  The strategy I've described does not involve manipulation of the gland or nipple so that you should be successful in breast feeding.  Keep in mind that a high percentage of women are not able to breast feed even though they never have had kids--  If you were unable to breast feed, there would be virtually no way to know the reason but it likely would be unrelated to the surgery I have described6.  Your breasts will likely change in shape and size after kids.  There is 50% chance that you will do some other type of breast surgery in your lifetime.  Not due to an implant problem but likely due to personal choice.7.  Ideal Implants are great!  I have been using them in my practice and women love them!  See the link below:In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Thanks for your question. Breast implant placement generally does not impact your ability to breast feed, particularly if you place the implant under the pectoralis muscle. It can alter nipple sensitivity. Early 20s are a common time that women consider breast augmentation. I'd suggest meeting with a couple of trusted plastic surgeons in your area to better understand the process, the costs/risks, and find the one you match up with the best.

Hi, thank you for your question.  You have a good chance of being able to breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation surgery regardless of the incision location.  There have been several studies published on this topic.  A recent study on this topic published in the December 2016 issue of the journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" found that 93% of women studies who had undergone breast augmentation were able to breastfeed, in comparison to 99% of those who had not had implant surgery.  There was no difference based on the type of incision that was used (peri-areolar versus infra-mammary).  The best preparation is finding an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area.  
Good luck and best wishes,

Dr. Naidu

 

Dear Marseyaochoa,

 

The Ideal implant underneath the muscle is an excellent choice.  I have been very happy with the performance of these implants.  The least interference on future breastfeeding would be to have an incision near the underside fold of the breast and placing the implant under the breast and the muscle.  That way there is virtually no interruption of any of the milk ducts.  The breast and muscle are rotated forward as a unit and the implant put behind them.  I hope this has been helpful.

Thank you for the question.
Loss or diminished ability to breast-feed is a known risk of all types of breast surgery.  Overall, the majority of patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery will be able to breast-feed.    Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
 
I hope this helps. Best wishes.