Could breast pumping have affected my silicone breast implants? Is this something I should be concerned about?

Question

Hello. I have had breast implants (silicone put in under the muscle) for about a year. I just delivered my baby about a month ago. I pumped about three times, then decided against it. My breasts just look droopy and a little misshaped. It somewhat looks like there is a little ridge under my breasts. Could this be that I am just not used to being so full anymore from pregnancy? How Would I know if something had ruptured or is it very common to happen? Thank you

Salem Samra, MD, FACS · Answer

It is totally ok to pump for breastmilk after having breast augmentation. The manipulation of the breast from the pump is at the nipple and breast glandular level. Your implants are behind your chest muscles, away from the pump. It is highly unlikely that the pump could have caused a significant trauma to your implants one year out and the changes in your breast that you are noting are likely due to the changes in your breasts from pregnancy and the engoregement of the breast glands with milk. See your surgeon if you are concerned for an in-person exam.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Breastfeeding or pumping is extremely unlikely to have affected your implants in any way. Of course, the breast gland tissue itself will change w/ the hormone changes, but hopefully, those changes will not cause much in the way of long term problems. You can likely follow up w/ your surgeon once you are done nursing. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that pregnancy likely impacted your shape more than netting else. If you feel an implant isn't feeling full or normal, then an exam in person with your surgeon sounds reasonable.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

Breast pumping should not be an issue. Your breasts swell during pregnancy and breast feeding, and swelling will diminish at times during the post delivery process and then decrease significantly post breast feeding. This may make your breasts look different than before the pregnancy. Sometimes a breast lift will be needed to correct the droop that occurs. Normally 3 months at least goes by before this is considered. Sometimes taping the nipple complex upwards may keep a more natural shape during the involution process.

Could breast pumping have affected my silicone breast implants? Is this something I should be concerned about?

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Answer: Could breast pumping affect my breast implants

Answer: Could breast pumping affect my breast implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Could breast pumping have affected my silicone breast implants? Is this something I should be concerned about?

Answers (4)

Answer: Could breast pumping affect my breast implants

Answer: Could breast pumping affect my breast implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.