Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation

Many women planning on breast augmentation would like to have children later. A common question is “will my breasts be able to safely produce milk after having breast implants?”

Any surgical procedure does have side effects, and while there is a chance that breast augmentation can affect the ability to breast feed more than likely you will be able to continue to breast feed normally and safely. Choices you make, along with your surgeon, can minimize the chance that breast-feeding will be affected.

Two types of incisions for breast augmentation are around the nipple, and the inframammary incision, which is on the crease on the bottom of the breast. The inframammary incision causes no division of milk glandular tissue or ducts, and reduces the risk of any negative effect on breastfeeding. Incisions around the nipple do divide some of the milk glands, which makes it a little more risky, but breastfeeding has a high chance of being successful with either incision.

The risk to babies breastfeeding from breasts with implants has been the focus of many studies. To date there has been no evidence that there are any risks. I can safely say that it breastfeeding with implants is safe for you and your baby.

Women who have undergone a breast augmentation procedure sometimes choose not to breastfeed in case it ruins the result of the their surgery. Whether a woman has breast implants or not, pregnancy can cause a droop in the breasts. A study a few years ago suggests that pregnancy has the same effect on breast whether the woman breastfeeds or not. Although I found this study to be interesting, my experience suggests otherwise.

Women who would like to enhance the shape or size of their breasts will more than likely not have their ability to breastfeed be affected by their surgery, although there is a possibility. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and together you can make choices that will minimize the risks while enjoying the results.

Dr. York Yates shares information on Utah breast implants and other cosmetic surgery procedures.