Implant removal while breastfeeding?

Hello, my name is Dr. Burko and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in New York City. The process of implant removal depends on the individual plastic surgeon who is performing the procedure. Typically, it is done in an operating room under sterile conditions with anesthesia. Some plastic surgeons may be offer the ability to remove an implant using just local anesthesia. If your original incision is in the inframammary fold (under the breast), then removing the implants through this incision should not affect your ability to breastfeed. My recommendation is to see a trained plastic surgeon who can discuss your options and give you their best and safest surgical recommendations.

Hello, thank you for your question. In my professional opinion, it is not advised to perform implant removal under local anesthesia. This is a relatively invasive procedure that should be completed with IV general sedation. I advise to finish nursing before you have removal of implant, capsule, and all inflamed tissue to ensure you can have the best optimal outcome for healing. Surgery can be done while nursing, but will pose an inconvenience for the mom.

It is best for you to wait until you have finished breastfeeding for six months to have your implants removed. At that time you can decide if a lift is desired. Removal of implants under local anesthesia can be done, but an evaluation is needed to determine if a person is a good candidate for this approach. Any surgery to the breasts can cause changes in sensation or issues with future breastfeeding, but the risk varies based on the patient and extent of procedures performed.