Posted August 29, 2024 in Breast Implants
Many women who choose to undergo breast augmentation are concerned about their ability to breastfeed if they decide to have children at some point after their surgery. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most frequently asked questions about breastfeeding with breast implants.
3 Min Read
Will Breast Implants Affect My Ability to Produce Milk?
The short answer to this question is no. Because implants are placed underneath the glandular tissue of your breast (subglandular placement) or under your pectoral muscles (submuscular placement), they usually don’t interfere with the glands or ducts that produce and excrete milk.
However, while breast augmentation surgery overall might not affect your ability to breastfeed, be aware of certain aspects that may. Periareolar incisions (incisions along the outer edge of your areola) can sever nerves and ducts associated with milk production. Additionally, be aware that your supply may not be as robust as it would be without implants.
Will Breastfeeding Affect the Appearance of My Implants?
Breastfeeding won’t affect the implants themselves, but it may affect the natural tissue and skin of your breasts. Weight gain and the enlarging of your breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the skin on your breasts to stretch. Once you’ve lost weight and stopped breastfeeding, you may be left with excess skin, making your breasts sag or look deflated. You may also notice a change in how your breasts look due to changes in the shape of your natural breast tissue due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
These aesthetic changes are why most plastic surgeons recommend waiting to have breast implants until after you’re finished having children. However, if you do decide to undergo breast augmentation now and have children later, breast revision and breast lift surgeries are excellent options for refreshing the appearance of your breasts after breastfeeding.
How Soon After Breast Augmentation Can I Breastfeed?
Most reputable surgeons will not perform a breast augmentation on a woman who is lactating. Surgeons typically want you to wait at least three months after you’ve stopped breastfeeding before undergoing breast augmentation to give your breasts time to settle back into their pre-pregnancy state and offer the best possible aesthetic outcome. You should never undergo breast augmentation while you’re still breastfeeding, as it could affect both your augmentation results and your ability to continue breastfeeding.
Is It More Difficult to Breastfeed With Breast Implants?
As a general rule, no, it is not more difficult to breastfeed with breast implants. However, there are some exceptions, including:
- Nipple sensitivity: Breast augmentation surgery can cause changes to nipple sensation, with increased sensitivity causing breastfeeding to be uncomfortable.
- Milk supply: While breast augmentation doesn’t directly affect your body’s ability to make milk, the pressure of the implants can mimic the feeling of your breasts being engorged with milk. This feeling may signal your body that it’s made enough milk, reducing your supply.
- Size of implants: If you have very large implants, they can potentially interfere with your baby’s ability to latch correctly.
Will Breastfeeding Affect The Longevity of My Breast Implants?
No, breastfeeding should not affect the longevity of your implants. Breast implants are designed to last at least 10 years and sometimes up to 15 or 20 years. Implants are placed under the glandular tissue of your breasts, which is where the milk supply comes from, and they typically remain unaffected by the breastfeeding process.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Dallas
If you’re considering breast augmentation and are wondering if implants would impact your ability to breastfeed, we hope this blog provided some helpful answers. To learn more about breast augmentation with implants, call 214.827.8407 or complete the online contact form to schedule an appointment with Dr. David E. Morales.
