Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure in which breast implants are placed underneath a woman’s chest muscle or the breast tissue to make her breasts bigger. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 300,000 women in America have breast augmentation annually. If you are one of these ladies, you might wonder if the implants will affect your ability to breastfeed. To learn more about breast augmentation and breastfeeding, continue reading.

Can You Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?

Although studies have shown that the risk of having breastfeeding problems is higher in women with breast implants than in those who have not undergone the procedure, there is no absolute indication that having breast implants affects your ability to breastfeed. You need to understand that breast implants are placed under your chest muscle or behind your milk glands, making it virtually impossible for them to affect your milk supply. However, you need to be careful about the location and depth of the incision because it might cause breastfeeding problems in the future.

Make sure the surgeon keeps your areola (the dark part of your nipple) intact because it holds the nerves that stimulate your hormones (prolactin and oxytocin) to produce and release breast milk. So, if this part of your breast is damaged, you won’t be able to produce enough milk for your baby. The good thing is that most breast augmentation incisions are made under the breast, through the armpit, or the belly button, where they are less likely to affect the areola.

Is It Safe to Breastfeed with Breast Implants?

So far, there is no scientific evidence to prove that breast implants are dangerous for either the breastfeeding mother or the baby. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention claims that there haven’t been any clinical reports showing problems in infants being breastfed by mothers with breast implants.

Even though there is no specific method to measure the level of silicone in breast milk accurately, some experts have managed to measure the level of silicon in breast milk in mothers with silicone implants. Surprisingly, the level of silicon in women with implants was not higher than those without. Research has also proved that there are no risks of congenital disabilities in infants born to mothers with breast implants.

In summary, there is no evidence to prove that breast augmentation affects a mother’s ability to breastfeed. However, you need to find the right plastic surgeon to avoid future complications.