Can Breast Feeding Cause Implants to Sag?

Many women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery have expressed concern about the effects breast feeding has on implants. They worry that the process will change the appearance of their breasts, which was a major monetary investment.

Luckily for looking to start or expand their family, this is an unnecessary concern, according to a recent study.

The study was conducted by the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan. Researchers found that there were no health risks to breastfeeding with implants, nor were there any health concerns. Throughout the entire study, there were no disruptions to the breast glands nor the milk ducts to the nipples.

During the study, doctors documented changes in breast measurements of 57 women with implants.

All of these women breast fed for an average of more than six months. This group was then compared with 62 women who did not breastfeed at all. Measurements were taken before pregnancy, and then one year after pregnancy or after the completion of breast feeding.

What researchers found was quite surprising, even to the researchers. It ultimately put to rest the myths women had believed for decades: There were no significant changes in breast measurements between these two groups of women, nor were there any vast differences in sagging.

If breast measurements and sagging did happen to increase, doctors believe it was because of body changes related to overall pregnancy — not breast feeding. All of that was welcome news to the millions of women who had assumed otherwise for years.

If you’ve gotten breast implants or are thinking of getting pregnant, there are some important factors to note. Because the body undergoes significant change during childrearing, the breast tissue may expand or shrink over time. Future surgery may be required if these changes are notably prominent. But there is also a good chance that no tweaks will be necessary at all, as the overall integrity of your implants is not affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Should you have any lingering concerns, disclose all information to your doctor and discuss possible outcomes. Pregnancy and breast feeding should not be deterrents in improving your self-image or confidence. A qualified cosmetic surgeon will be able to assess your body’s changes and recommend the best course of action. Breast augmentation will not only make you look better and feel more confident — it will also have the power to dramatically improve your overall quality of life!