Fast facts
Breast Augmentation
What it is: a plastic surgery procedure to enlarge breast size by inserting saline or silicone breast implants

What it addresses:

- Dissatisfaction with small breast size
- Changes in breasts post-pregnancy
- Breast asymmetry
- Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
MORE INFORMATION

 

Was it worth it?

Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

86% Tummy tuck
83% Invisalign
83% Blepharoplasty
82% Pixel laser
81% Smart Lipo
80% Silicone breast implants
79% Photofacial
78% Lasik
78% Facelift
78% VASER Liposelection
75% Laser resurfacing
74% Rhinoplasty
74% Botox
72% Permanent makeup
70% Liposuction
67% Microdermabrasion
67% Active FX
66% Chemical peel
63% Juvederm
61% Restylane
58% Sculptra
53% IPL
53% Radiesse
51% Fraxel Laser
50% Mesotherapy
48% Accent XL
44% Zoom teeth whitening
41% Lifestyle lift
37% Lipodissolve
37% Thermage

Add your review

Question

Breast feeding with breast implants - is it possible? What are the risks?

After years of trying, my husband and I just found out that we are about to have our first child.  I am ecstatic, but I am very worried that the breast augmentation I had about 7 years ago will interfere with my ability to breast feed.  And even if I can breast feed my baby, would I be putting him or her at risk by doing so?  Can anyone shed some light on this subject?  I would really appreciate it.

Comments (0)Ask your questionPrintEmail

Asked by: Beth K. from Philadelphia, PA

Answers (3)

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful
1
July 10, 2008

Lactation should not be affected by breast implants

Richard P. Rand, MD
Richard P. Rand, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If your body was capable of lactation before your implants were placed, it should be able to do so after and there is no known risk to you or your baby.

3 of 3 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
2
March 26, 2008

Most Patients Are Still Able To Breast Feed After Augmentation

Gregory A. Buford, MD
Gregory A. Buford, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Your question is a common one and a big concern for clients interested in breast augmentation who also plan on having children. Although a very small subset of patients have difficulty breastfeeding following this procedure, most do not.

To lower the risks of interfering with breastfeeding, the general recommendation is to avoid the periareolar incision (because of the risk for interfering with nipple sensation) and to place the implant under the muscle.

And to make you feel better, breast implants should pose no risk to your breastfeeding infant.

4 of 6 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
3
March 26, 2008

Breast is still the best

Kim Meathrel, MD
Kim Meathrel, MD

Congratulations on your pregnancy! There are so many documented advantages to breastfeeding your child (for both mom and baby) that I always suggest women try it.

Most women with implants are able to breastfeed because the implants cause very minimal disruption of the breast gland itself. Even if the implants are sitting submammary, the dissection usually doesn't disconnect the gland from the nipple.

You can expect the usual amount of breast expansion/engorgement with breastfeeding and the usual amount of breast deflation and droop that most women experience after finishing breastfeeding. This means you may need a revision surgery in the future in the same way that many women request augmentation or mastopexy after pregnancy.

There are no documented risks to babies - a study was even completed on women with silicone implants and there was no evidence of increased silicone in the breast milk.

Breastfeeding is difficult for many women - even those who have never had surgery on their breasts. Stick with it and get some support - try contacting your local La Leche League or attending breastfeeding classes or support groups. Breastfeeding is well worth it.

3 of 3 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?

Write a comment

(required, shown publicly)
  • Allowed HTML tags: <p> <br> <em> <strong> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <img> <div>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • You may link to webpages through the weblinks registry

More information about formatting options

(required, kept private and never sold. We hate spam as much as you do, and won’t spam)
CAPTCHA
Enter the numbers in the image below (no spaces)
Image CAPTCHA

Comments for unregistered users are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Community Guidelines

Check out more Q+A about Breast augmentation

All Breast augmentation Q&A

Have a question? Ask it

Email
Permalink
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.