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.

Is it normal to lactate a year after breast augmentation?

Answers (5)