Is it normal to lactate a year after breast augmentation?

Question

I've been lactating for 8 months now, I've done all kinds of hormone test, brain MRI for the pituitary glands and everything comes back normal. I'm 22 years old, never had kids and I'm currently NOT pregnant. I email my doctor when this all started and he said that it impossible for the implants to cause lactation. I did saline implants, he went in from under the armpits and placed the implant in between the muscle. What do you all think?? Whats my next step?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. It's very uncommon your current situation, I recommend you to go to an endocrinologist consult to see how your hormones are. Also I recommend to stay in close communication with your plastic surgeon and follow his advices.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not impossible for the implants to cause lactation. It is not that rare.  If you do enough augmentation you will see it.  It is not clear why it happens, but it is good that you have had an endocrinologist work up.  It should stop.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Lactation after Breast Augmentation is not uncommon. It may be a response to the normal increase blood flow during the healing process or from being in proximity to the milk glandular tissue during surgery. Lactation after breast augmentation  is usually transient and should stop within a few weeks in most cases. If it lasts longer than that it is worth going back to your surgeon for an evaluation.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hi... thank you for the question... They have been some cases like this through the history of breast implant surgery... It is not clear what causes this, but it is possible. It is important that you have done your Endocrinologist clearance. Keep the follow up with your PS.. This could be due to the pressure that is causing to the mammary gland.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because of inflammation some patients can have some lactation for a few weeks after breast augmentation. By one year this should have long since subsided.

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is very uncommon and the implants are not the cause of your lactation. You should follow up with your primary doctor and an endocrinologist. Best of luck...

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Though very rarely consequence of breast implantation, it has been reported in literature search. At this stage after ALL you work up you should see an Endocrinologist to be plAced on appropriate meds to decrease the lactation issues..

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, I think you have done all the correct things in working this up. Breast surgery may cause this but it would not be a permanent change. Keep your follow up appointment with your endocrinologist.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Lactation after breast augmentation is not that rare. I've seen it at least twice. It sounds like an increase in prolactin from pituitary tumor has been ruled out. Birth control pills may also play a part. In my cases, as the breast became less tight feeling, the lactation went away on its own. Ask your gynecologist about birth control pills if that applies to you. Good luck

Is it normal to lactate a year after breast augmentation?

Answers (9)