Will above muscle implants and incision under, affect breastfeeding?

Question

I had breast implants placed above the muscle in 2019. The incision is under my breast. Will this affect breastfeeding? My surgeon told me it wouldn’t. I get conflicting answers online. Some say have implants above the muscle can harm milk production.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

This type of implantation goes under the breast tissue so it is unlikely to decrease your chances of successfully breast feeding. It is important to note that not all women who want to breast feed can.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Generous135131,
any breast surgery can affect breastfeeding. However, the risk is very low. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nilay Shah, MD · Answer

Breast enhancement procedures may affect the nerves and ducts within the breast, thus affecting lactation. Implants that are placed under the chest muscles, usually affect milk supply less than those placed above the muscle. The location and depth of the incision used during the surgery can also affect the ability to breastfeed. However, incisions made under the breast are less likely to interfere with breastfeeding. Also, if the areola is kept intact during the surgery then the chances of having any issue in breastfeeding are less. Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant about your concerns.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Just having implants can possibly interfere with breast feeding. However, most women can still breast- feed. Please understand that even without surgery, not all women can breastfeed and not all children can breastfeed.  the incision under the breasts will be the least likely to interfere with breastfeeding.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Any surgery on the breast can impact breastfeeding, particularly if surgery is extensive and milk ducts are divided during surgery.   In your case, with the implant above the muscle and an incision under your breast, it is unlikely that your surgery will affect your ability to breast feed because the breast has been simply lifted off of the muscle, and not extensively divided to place the implant.  
The presence of implants will not affect milk production.
Keep in mind that there are other reasons woman are unable to nurse, and so if you cannot nurse, it my be for these factors.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

Breastfeeding is important and worthy of discussion. Not all women can breastfeed and that is why there are lactation consultants. More than 70% of women are successful, but not all. To breastfeed, there must be stimulation of the nipple to cause the letdown of milk. If you can feel your nipples normally, you have a good chance of being able to breastfeed. I tend to place implants on most patients under the muscle (and nerves), so as to avoid nerve injury. Unfortunately, until you try, you will not know as you don't know if you would have been successful without surgery.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Any surgery performed on the breasts has the potential to affect breast feeding however, the risk is very low.  Whether the implants are placed subglandular vs submuscular makes little difference.  Incision in the axilla or inframammary are less likely to injure the ducts. 
Best wishes 
Dr. Taranow

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. It should not affect milk production in the general population, but there is a small chance that it can affect production. Most of my patients have had no issues but that is a risk you need to be aware of before surgery. Please see a board-certified physician for your consultation. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely, James Fernau, MD FACS 
Aesthetic Surgery Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) The Rhinoplasty Society

Gokhan Temiz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. The implant placed above the muscle won't affect the milk production. You won't have any problems regarding milk production.

Will above muscle implants and incision under, affect breastfeeding?

Answers (9)

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