For many women contemplating breast augmentation, concerns about the future—specifically, motherhood and breastfeeding—are common. If you’re wondering “can women with breast implants breastfeed?” you’re not alone. This blog post will address some of the most common concerns surrounding breastfeeding with implants.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
It’s a widespread misconception that breast implants prohibit a mother’s ability to breastfeed. If you inform your surgeon about your future plans for motherhood, they can use certain techniques to help preserve your ability to breastfeed. For instance, avoiding incisions on the areolae minimizes the risk of injuring milk ducts and altering nipple sensation.
What Are the Risks of Breastfeeding With Implants?
Understanding the mechanics of breastfeeding can alleviate many concerns about potential complications from implants. Generally speaking, breast milk is produced in the mammary glands and then transported through a complex system of ducts to the nipple. Implants are typically situated either behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle, separate from the milk ducts.
Will Implants Affect Milk Supply?
While some women worry about the risks of breastfeeding with implants, most can breastfeed without issues related to milk supply. About 19% of women with implants report having insufficient milk production, whereas approximately 10% to 15% of women without implants have inadequate milk supply.
That said, it’s worth noting that breastfeeding can take some time and practice, whether you have implants or not. Furthermore, each mother’s experience is unique. If you have implants and are struggling with breastfeeding, you may find it beneficial to consult a lactation specialist.
Is Breastfeeding With Implants Safe for My Baby?
Concerns about the safety of breast milk are understandable but generally unfounded. Modern implants are made from materials that pose no known risk of contaminating breast milk.
Does Implant Placement Matter?
Yes, it does. Implants placed behind the underlying muscle, rather than just behind the breast tissue, are less likely to interfere with milk ducts, increasing your chances of successful breastfeeding. Placement can also affect breast shape and position post-pregnancy, making it a key consideration.
Will I Have an Increased Risk of Mastitis?
Some evidence suggests that implants increase the risk of developing mastitis, a painful infection of the breast tissue that sometimes occurs while breastfeeding. A study published by the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women with implants had a slightly higher rate of mastitis during the postpartum period.
How Will My Breasts Change After Breastfeeding?
Most women experience changes in breast size and shape post-pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you’re concerned with your implants sagging, know that many women remain satisfied with the results of their breast augmentation after breastfeeding. Revision surgery is also an option if desired.
Will I Need Revision Surgery After Breastfeeding?
Some women choose to undergo revision surgery to refresh the appearance of their post-pregnancy breasts, often incorporating new implant technology and possibly a breast lift as part of a mommy makeover. This is a personal choice and can be discussed during a consultation.
Is It Better To Wait Until After Childbearing To Get Breast Implants?
Timing plays a significant role. If you plan on having children within the next year or two, it may be wise to postpone the procedure.
Breast Augmentation Before and After
Whether you decide to have the surgery now or to postpone it for a while, these before-and-after photos of previous patients demonstrate the kind of breast augmentation results you can look forward to.
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The Takeaway
Deciding when to get breast implants is a highly personal decision that should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. If you have further questions about breastfeeding after implants, call our office at (434) 924-1234 or request a consultation.
To see more before-and-after breast augmentation transformations, view our gallery.
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