Breast Feeding After Breast Implants
With the many benefits of breastfeeding, breast augmentation candidates who plan on becoming pregnant later wonder if they will be able to safely breastfeed after receiving implants.
There are side effects with all surgical procedures. There is a possibility that breast augmentation may have an effect on future breastfeeding, but the chances are you will be able to safely breastfeed. Your surgeon can help you make decisions that will reduce the effects on breastfeeding.
The inframammary incision (along the crease at the bottom of the breast) does not involve division of any milk ducts or glandular tissue, as such this incision is an ideal choice if preserving the ability to breastfeed is a high priority since it does minimize the risk of breastfeeding complications. The incision around the nipple involves the division of some of the milk glands so the risk is a little more enhanced; yet breast-feeding is very likely to be successful with either type of incision.
There have been numerous studies on the risk of babies breastfeeding from mothers with breast implants, and so far no risks have been found. It is safe for babies to breastfeed after their mother has undergone a breast augmentation procedure.
Pregnancy can cause a natural droop of the breasts, and some women with breast implants decide not to breastfeed for fear that it will have a negative effect on the results of their surgery. About three years ago a study suggested that breast were affected by pregnancy regardless of whether the mother breastfed or not. My experience suggests otherwise.
There is a possibility that surgery can affect your future ability to breastfeed, however chances are more than likely that you will be able to breastfeed successfully after your procedure. You should talk with your surgeon and work out a plan that will enable you to enjoy the results while minimizing the possibilities of complications.
