Can I breast feed after implants?

Question

I Am 5'1 And three quarters hehe. I'm considering getting 420-450cc of silicone implants. If the implants are placed sub pectoral will I be able to breast feed later on ? Also will it hurt more ? Where would the incision be made I know It can't through my areola because that would defeat the purpose of me trying to breastfeed. HELP !

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

Most women can breastfeed after augmentation, particularly with inframammary incisions and submuscular placement. Your natural gland anatomy is the biggest factor. I discuss your breastfeeding goals before surgery so we can plan for the safest approach. More details on our breast augmentation page.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Bonnie,thank you for your post.Your ability to breast feed should not change after breast augmentation.  This is true whether the implant is placed under the muscle, or under the fascia of the muscle, or under the breast gland itself.  This should also not change whether going under the breast crease for the incision or axilla, or even around the areola if done correctly.  The correct manner of performing the 'peri-areola' incision technique is to go inbetween the fatty tissue and the breast tissue, thus never violating the breast or the ducts.  This, however, is surgeon dependent, and I would encourage you to choose only a board certified plastic surgeon.Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is best preserved by avoiding the nipple incision.  By doing so, you are not disrupting any of your milk ducts.  But also realize that there are many women who do not have implants who are unable to breast feed so even if you do everything you can to give yourself the best chances in the future, it may still not work out.

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

Yes, breast feeding is possible after breast augmentation -- although bear in mind that a small percent of women, even without implants, are unable to breast feed.You are petite and as many of my colleagues have said, it would be better for you to have implants whose size is harmonious with your frame.  Pre-determining your implant size (perhaps because a friend had that size) is never a good idea -- it should be discussed with you and your surgeon.  I usually have a "try on" session with my patient so that we can determine the best and most comfortable size.Today's trends show that sub-pectoral augmentation through an incision in the breast fold is the most reliable and safe technique.  And, many surgeons believe that is diminishes the possibility for later capsular contracture.Breast augmentation is not simple -- there are many things to be discussed with you and your surgeon.  Best advice is to seek the opinion of several surgeons and then choose the surgeon with whom you feel most comfortable and confident.Good luck!Elliot Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York city

Mark Schwartz, MD · Answer

Yes, if you have normal nipples and milk ducts, you should be able to breastfeed after you have implants placed under the muscle.  In general, breast implants placed under the muscle can hurt more than implants placed under the breast tissue in the immediate postoperative period.  This is due to the stretching and partial release of the pectoralis muscle.  However in most patients placing the implants is well worth the extra postop discomfort.  Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Jose Leon, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You should be able to breastfeed without any problems after breast augmentation. Periareolar incisions won't pose a problem for breastfeeding, but personally, i like the submammary approach because there is no pulling in the areola to fit in the implant, and recent trends indicate that going trough the areola might provoque contamination of the implant from bacteria residing in the milk ducts, with a higher probability for capsular contracture on the long run. The approach differs from one surgeon to another, and it also depends on the patient, so talk it out with your plastic surgeon. Good luck

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

It sounds as if you know what you want -- but you need a surgeon who will answer all of your questions --- I don't like putting such large implants under the muscle -- also my patients can usually nurse after.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Bonnie,Thank you for your question.The answer is yes, you should be able to breast feed after having implants! The incision is made in the breast crease. For more answers to specific questions I recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation. Best of luck to you!

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you can definitely breast feed. also you can have a periareolar incision if you want, since this should not interfere with breast feeding. remember even women who don't have a BA can have problems breast feeding. As others have stated, you have selected a breast implant which is large for your size, but the choice is yours.david berman mdboard certified plastic surgeonnorthern va

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You need an in person consultation and examination by a board certified plastic surgeon to answer your questions.That said 450 cc implants are quite large and can look out of place on a petite small framed woman.  Sub-muscular breast implants should not interfere with breast-feeding.  However be aware that your breasts will change during pregnancy and most plastic surgeons recommend be that you be done having children before having breast augmentation.I disagree that trans-areola were incision is a good idea in patients who plan to breast-feed.  It is entirely possible that Dr. goals that feed milk to the nipple can be injured during a trans-areolar incision.

Can I breast feed after implants?

Answers (10)

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