Will large implants (1000 CC) affect breastfeeding in the future?

Question

I want really large implants around 1000cc would this affect breastfeeding in the future?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Breastfeeding may still be possible after implants, even with large implants, but future milk production is hard to predict. The main risks depend on your natural breast anatomy, incision choice, implant pocket, and whether milk ducts or nipple sensation are affected. If preserving breastfeeding potential is important, an inframammary incision and careful pocket placement are often preferred to avoid unnecessary disruption around the areola.

With 1000 cc implants, the bigger issue is the size itself. The extra weight can increase stretching, thinning, sagging, implant malposition, discomfort, and the chance of needing revision surgery compared with more moderate implants. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also change the result. If breastfeeding is a major future goal, consider delaying surgery until after children or choosing a more conservative size after an in-person measurement of your chest width, tissue thickness, and skin support.

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

Fabulous979442,While having issues breast feeding can be a complication of breast augmentation, it's rare. Most people can still breast feed after surgery as well as they could before. That said, the largest impact size approved by the FDA for standard augmentation is 800 cc for both silicone and saline implants. Recently, very large silicone gel implants (up to 1445 cc) were FDA-approved, but they are specifically for breast reconstruction, not general augmentation.
Dr Stein

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Having breast implants usually does not affect breast-feeding.  Certain factors, like putting the implant under the muscle, or placing it through the inframammary fold, may decrease the incidence of any problems regarding breast-feeding.

Brandon Lambiris, MD · Answer

As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Sarasota Florida specializing in breast augmentation, I frequently see patients considering larger implant sizes (such as 1000 cc) and wondering how this may impact their future breast-feeding ability.
The short answer is: It depends more on surgical technique and individual anatomy then implant sizes alone. Implants–whether 300 cc or 1000 cc–typically do not interfere with breast-feeding if the milk ducts and nerves around the nipple are preserved. This is most commonly achieved through an inframammary (under the breast) incision which minimizes disruption of the glandular tissue.
That said, larger implants can stretch the breast tissue more significantly, which may reduce glandular function or change nipple sensitivity in some patients–both of which are relevant to milk production. If you are planning to breast-feed in the future and considering very large implants, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon preoperatively, so the technique can be adjusted to protect your lactation potential.
You can learn more about how I approach breast augmentation in women planning future pregnancy and breast-feeding here: 
Dr. Brandon LambirisBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon–Sarasota, FL Specializing in Natural, Breastfeeding-Friendly Augmentation

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While it is possible to breastfeed with implants, impact on breastfeeding ability is a risk with breast augmentation, and this risk increases with larger implants.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Family planning is a somewhat fluid process which may or may not conform to a schedule. Thus it becomes difficult to plan elective surgery around events that may come at some point in the future. 
The question of timing of elective body contouring as it relates to pregnancy is ultimately dependent upon expectations. There are a number of changes that occur during pregnancy (some more reversible than others) which may potentially compromise your overall aesthetic result. With this in mind, the best thing that can be done is understanding how your body may (or may not) change post pregnancy and preparing appropriately. 
It is important to remember that pregnancy changes more than just your weight. There will be changes in muscle and skin tone which in some cases will not return to baseline. The safest recommendation is to maintain a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) through pregnancy and afterwards. This will ensure a greater likelihood of a return to form. This is by no means a guarantee but it will help. Lastly, be prepared for the possibility (eventuality) of further procedures in the future to regain your pre-pregnancy form.
Additionally, the presence of implants and a prior lift should not influence your decision to breast feed. You should be able to safely breast feed regardless of prior surgery and should consider doing so for the sake of the newborn. There is mountains of data regarding the immunologic benefits of breastfeeding. 
In summary, with regards to your specific question, implant size will not impact breastfeeding. Ductal integrity regardless of size is operative technique dependent.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Not all women are naturally able to breast feed but in my experience if they were able they still were able. My patients have the implants placed part behind or under the muscle. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fabulous979442,

it is not the best idea to get implants that big because they can cause major issues. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Great question! The size of breast implants, such as large 1000 cc ones, does not directly affect your ability to breastfeed. What matters more for breastfeeding is the placement of the implant and the surgical technique used.
Here’s a quick rundown:
•	Implant Size: Larger implants may stretch the breast tissue, but that alone doesn’t usually stop milk production or breastfeeding ability.
•	Implant Placement: Implants placed under the muscle (submuscular) generally have less impact on milk ducts and nerves than those placed above the muscle (subglandular).
•	Incision Location: Incisions made around the areola (periareolar) may carry a higher risk of damaging milk ducts and nerves important for breastfeeding. Incisions under the breast fold (inframammary) or in the armpit are less likely to interfere.
•	Preservation of Milk Ducts and Nerves: Surgeons who take care to avoid disrupting the milk ducts and nerves will increase your chances of successful breastfeeding, regardless of implant size.
While very large implants can increase pressure or stretch tissue, most women with implants including large ones, can still breastfeed successfully if the surgery is done thoughtfully.
If breastfeeding is important to you in the future, definitely discuss this with your plastic surgeon before surgery so they can plan the best approach.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As with any breast surgery there is a chance that future breastfeeding ability can be impacted.  Larger implants could influence this to a further degree.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Will large implants (1000 CC) affect breastfeeding in the future?

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