When can I have an implant removal after nursing?

Question

Hi! I nursed my son (now 2+) for 14 months, basically until I found out I was pregnant With my daughter who is now 6 months and I’m still nursing. As you can imagine my implants don’t look like they used to! Chronic back and chest pain has me ready to get these implants out ASAP! How long do I have to wait after nursing? Is a lift always necessary? Does insurance ever cover this? Thank you!!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

When placed through an inframmary incision, the implant never really touches the breast tissue; it slides underneath it, so this approach has the least impact on the gland itself.  Removing the implants and the capsules through the inframmary incision should not cause issues while breastfeeding. If the implants are removed, there will likely be flattening and drooping that can be corrected in large part with a breast lift.   As far as the volume that is attained, that is a bit difficult to predict given the pregnancies in the interim period and the time of 3+ years that you have had implants thinning the remaining tissue.  Recommend that you wait three to six months after breastfeeding is complete to schedule the explantation and breast lift.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

If you plan to do the implant removal and lift the same day (sometimes this is possible, sometimes it is best to do them separately), then I would wait 6 full months at least from the time you stop nursing to have surgery.  Insurance does not cover this as it is cosmetic surgery.    You also can consider having the implants removed now (avoid nursing for 48 hours) so you are more comfortable and then do the lift 6-9 months down the road once you are done nursing and the skin has had a chance to contract.  Then you will know if you need/want a lift or not.  Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are considering a lift along with the implant removal you will want to wait for 3-6 months after you've stopped breastfeeding.  This will allow hormone levels to balance out and the breasts to return to a stable state.  At this point you and your surgeon can determine if a lift is needed, and if so, what type is best for you.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Theoretically, you can have your implants removed under local anesthesia even while you’re breast-feeding, however, the final shape will not be revealed until after cessation of breast-feeding.  Insurance companies may provide coverage for removal in certain instances when medical necessity is established. This is typically for a rupture or infection or capsular contracture.

When can I have an implant removal after nursing?

Answers (4)

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