If you have breast implants and you are planning to have a baby or are already expecting, you might be wondering if breastfeeding will be possible. The good news is that most women can breastfeed after breast augmentation without any major issues, but it will depend on a few things, like the type and size of the implants, how the implants were placed, and the natural anatomy of your breasts.
This article should answer most of the questions you have about breastfeeding with implants, what things might hinder your efforts, how breast augmentation might affect your milk supply, and what you can do if you run into problems.
Breast Implants Do Not Usually Block the Production of Milk
The glandular tissue is the portion of your breast that is responsible for producing and storing milk before it flows through the milk ducts to your nipple. Most implants are placed either behind this glandular tissue or under the chest muscle, so the implant does not usually disturb the parts of the breast responsible for producing or delivering milk.
Many women assume that their implant will take up too much space or put pressure on milk ducts, but this does not usually happen. The placement of the implant does make a difference, but most plastic surgeons use techniques that allow for successful breastfeeding later on. If you are considering implants and desire to breastfeed in the future, make sure you discuss this in detail with your surgeon during your consultation.
How The Surgery Is Done Can Make a Big Difference
The location where your incision was made during your breast augmentation surgery is one of the most crucial elements that can affect your ability to breastfeed in the future. If the incision was placed around the areola, which is the darker skin around the nipple, then there is a slightly higher chance that nerves or milk ducts could have been affected.
Damaged nerves can interfere with what is called the “let-down” reflex, which is what triggers the flow of milk out of your breasts. If your milk ducts have been compromised, it can limit how much milk is able to reach your nipple.
Incisions that are made under the breast fold or in your armpit are less likely to disturb the areas that help you make and deliver milk to your nipple and allow the surgeon to place the implant without disturbing the nerves or ducts.
The position of the implant itself is also important because breast implants that are placed under the chest muscle tend to have fewer risks when it comes to breastfeeding because they are located farther away from the milk-producing areas. When implants are placed above the muscle but under the breast tissue (known as subglandular placement), there may be slightly more pressure on the milk ducts, but this usually does not cause any breastfeeding issues.
Does the Type of Breast Implant Affect Breastfeeding?
The findings of a large observational study in 2019 (Jewell et al.) showed that about 79 percent of women who had silicone or saline implants were able to breastfeed at least one child over five years after surgery. Milk supply issues (like low production) affected only around 20 percent of the participants, and there were no major differences between the groups with silicone and saline implants.
Your Milk Supply Might Be Lower Than Normal
Even when everything is done the best way possible with future breastfeeding in mind, some women still struggle with a low milk supply. This is not always an issue that is related to the implants and may be an issue having to do with their natural breast development. For example, women who had very small breasts before surgery might not have had much glandular tissue to begin with, and if there is not enough of that type of tissue, their bodies cannot produce large amounts of milk.
Also, some women have a condition called breast hypoplasia, where their breasts did not develop fully during puberty, which can lead to a low milk supply regardless of whether they have undergone a breast augmentation. If you choose breast implants to enhance underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts, you may need to seek lactation assistance to help you with a low milk supply.
Another issue that can affect your milk supply is if you develop scar tissue that causes nerve damage. After a breast augmentation, your body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around where the implant is placed as a normal part of the healing process. If that tissue becomes too thick or too tight, it can lead to a complication called capsular contracture, and it may put pressure on nearby nerves or your milk ducts. This can make it harder for your body to make and move enough breast milk to your nipple to meet the complete needs of the baby.
Is It Safe For The Baby To Breastfeed With Implants?
One of the most common concerns people have is whether the material the implant is made from and filled with, like silicone, can leak into breast milk and harm the baby. Thankfully, research has not found any evidence that this happens, and even in the rare cases where an implant has ruptured, there is no proof that has shown that the silicone affects the milk or poses any danger to the baby.
Major health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics have all reported that there is no evidence to suggest it is not safe to breastfeed a baby with implants. The implants do not affect the quality of the breast milk, which is full of all the nutrients, antibodies, and hydration a baby needs in the early months of their life.
What Can You Do If You Are Having Issues With Breastfeeding With Implants?
If you find that you are not producing a full milk supply, it does not mean you cannot breastfeed at all, and many women with implants partially breastfeed and supplement with formula or donor milk as needed. Breastfeeding does not have to be an all-or-nothing choice, and even a little breast milk can provide many very important health benefits and also bonding time with your baby.
New mothers with breast implants who find their milk supply is low need a little extra support during the early days of breastfeeding. It may be a good idea to enlist some help before the baby is born to mitigate frustration and anxiety when you initially begin breastfeeding.
A Lactation Specialist Can Help with Breastfeeding After a Breast Augmentation
It is important to monitor the baby closely to make sure they are gaining weight and getting the nutrition they need. If your milk production seems low, a lactation consultant, like someone certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC), can help guide you through ways to boost your supply through using specific pumping routines or adjusting feeding positions. They can also teach you about safely supplementing with either donor milk or formula if needed.
Even when everything is perfect, it can be a lot to deal with right after giving birth and navigating your new role as a mother, so having physical and emotional support is critical. They can help you spot early signs of low supply or problems with latching, and they can guide you in using a pump if needed to stimulate more milk production. Breastfeeding can feel frustrating or discouraging when it does not go as planned, so having a professional there to offer encouragement and helpful strategies can give you confidence, peace of mind, and the best chance of success.
Share Your Breastfeeding Plans and Concerns With Your Cosmetic Surgeon
If you are considering breast implants and are planning on having a baby and breastfeeding in the future, it is important to share this information with your cosmetic surgeon. Most women are physically able to breastfeed after having implants, but there are some good reasons why you may wish to wait until later to undergo a breast augmentation.
Waiting until after you are done breastfeeding to get implants is often a smart decision because your breast shape and position are very likely to change as a result, your milk supply will not be affected at all by the previous surgery, and you can avoid any extra delays or complications with breastfeeding.
An excellently talented cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Angelina Postoev will help you make the choice that is best for you and your circumstances. She is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and is known for her precision, artistry, and the amazing results she provides. Her patients share that aside from her surgical talent, she is very relatable and communicates openly and honestly.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implants and breastfeeding, set up a consultation today with Dr. Angelina at IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. She will answer any questions you may have and help you create a plan with the correct timing that will give you the results you are looking for.