Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation

If you are expecting or planning on growing your family and have either gone through a breast augmentation or are considering one, there is a common question that comes up: can you still breastfeed after having a breast augmentation. This is what you need to know.

Types of Implants

The type of implants that you receive can affect whether you will be able to successfully breastfeed. Most implant surgeries done today have incisions in the fold of the breast or the armpit, keeping them well away from the milk ducts. Incisions that are made along the areolae or nipples run the risk of damaging the nerves, making breastfeeding less possible.

Location of Implants

Breast augmentations can happen either over or under the chest muscles. Implants that are placed under the chest muscles have better results for breastfeeding. If the implants are placed under the breast tissues, they run a bigger risk of interfering with your milk production.

Pain or Sensation

One of the biggest complaints that women have made regarding breastfeeding after a breast augmentation is the amount of discomfort. This is partly due to the increase in engorgement when milk comes in after childbirth, leading to an exaggerated engorgement which is very uncomfortable. The nipples themselves might also be more sensitive than unaltered breasts, but this is a completely individual experience and the amount of pain varies greatly from person to person.

Milk Production

Ultimately, your body’s ability to produce breast milk will not be negatively affected if you have had a breast augmentation experience. Unless there is scar tissue within your milk ducts or the implants have been placed over the chest muscles, there should be no effect on milk at all.

Your Breast Development

Part of your success with breastfeeding is dependent on why you had or are having breast implants placed. If you received them to increase your breast size, then you should still be a good candidate for breast feeding. If you have the implants because your breast tissue did not fully develop or any other developmental reason, there is a risk that you do not have the glandular tissue that you would need in order to successfully breastfeed.

Additionally, if you have gone through a mastectomy before your breast augmentation surgery, there is also a chance that you might not be able to breastfeed on the affected side.

Bottom Line

When it comes down to it, not all women can breastfeed, regardless of whether they have had a breast augmentation. Even women who have not gone through surgery are sometimes not capable of producing breast milk to nourish a baby. If you have not had children yet, you might not know what your body is capable of. Dr. Pirani will be able to go through all of these concerns with you at a consultation appointment, ensuring that every step is taken to give you the best chances of being successful at breastfeeding. Call our office today to set up your consultation.