Can breast implants put enough force on milk ducts causing you to leak if you're no longer breast-feeding? (photo)

Question

I never stop lactating after I was done breast feeding my kids. My oldest is 15 and my youngest is 8. To this day if my nipples are pinched I leak milk. My only concern is with the implants forcing against the milk ducks, is will that cause me to leave milk all the time?

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

You may have a medical issue that might need to be addressed.  Talk to your PMD first before doing breast augmentation.  There are certain endocrine issues that might need to be ruled out first. Hope this helps.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

In 30 years of practice with over 1000 breast augmentations, I have seen this problem 3 times. Yes breast implants can stimulate the milk glands and cause significant lactation in susceptible, thank the lord few individuals. See your primary doc to check Prolactin levels and rule out a pituitary gland tumor that can cause an increase in the hormone Prolactin that stimulates milk production. Good luck...

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Milk/Fluid production is much more common than you may think.  I would recommend seeing your primary medical doctor to have your prolactin levels checked.  Breast implants will not worsen this.   I also recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I suggest you see your doctor to discuss.  He/he can check a prolactin level.  If elevated, further evaluation may be needed, good luck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thank you for this important question. About 1/4 of women who breast fed can still produce milk like substance from their nipples, especially with stimulation. It is not entirely abnormal, but if your milk production is a concern, then I would suggest check you blood level of a hormone called Prolactin. This is made in the pituitary gland and it can be elevated in some people. If your prolactin hormone level is normal then there's no reason to avoid having breast surgery. However, in my patients over the age of 33, I do recommend a mammogram before surgery to be sure they are free of any other breast pathology.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Samira,Thanks for your question.  While it is not uncommon for women long after delivering to produce milk, you should have your primary physician (or GYN) order a Prolactin level to make sure everything is OK.  The implants can put pressure on the ductal system causing more milk to be exuded.  It usually resolves several weeks after implantation.Good luck.Dr. T

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Milk production can be stimulated with surgery if you are prone to leak. See your gynecologists to get your prolactin levels checked.

John McFate, MD · Answer

Typically, as long as you are of reproductive age and your breasts produce milk, nipple stimulation can cause them to release milk.  I am not aware of implants making this worse.  I would follow up with your primary care physician to check for other medical reasons for the continual milk.  They may check some lab tests such as hormone levels.

Can breast implants put enough force on milk ducts causing you to leak if you're no longer breast-feeding? (photo)

Answers (8)

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