Dr. A.J. Khalil sees a number of young women that wish to enhance naturally small breasts with saline or silicone implants. One concern that comes up frequently in breast augmentation consultations is that implants may interfere with future breastfeeding. In general, Dr. Khalil advises these women to proceed with confidence. While it is normal to wonder about this issue, implants categorically do not affect breastfeeding.
No Evidence to Suggest Implants Harm Nursing Infants
Breast implants are not contraindicated to breastfeeding. There is no scientific evidence that breastfeeding with implants is detrimental to babies’ health and development. Modern implants are strong and durable and have a very low rate of rupture and other complications.
Saline and silicone implants also do not affect the ability of a woman to produce milk. Breast augmentation works on tissues that have nothing to do with the ducts through which milk travels. If a woman can produce milk prior to her breast augmentation, she should be capable of doing so afterward. Some women cannot produce an adequate amount of milk regardless of whether they have implants; those with implants may blame nursing problems on their implants, but the truth is their body was never capable of producing milk.
With those points in mind, there are certain considerations for breastfeeding after breast augmentation.
If Breastfeeding Is Important, Inform Your Plastic Surgeon
First, while the implants themselves don’t interfere with the ability to breastfeed, the incision pattern might. Implants can be placed through an inframammary incision (at the crease of the breast where it meets the torso), a transaxillary incision (in the armpit) or a periareolar incision (around the edge of the nipple). The periareolar incision could potentially disturb the milk ducts and later affect breastfeeding.
For this reason, it is important to discuss your desire to breastfeed at the time of your breast implant consultation. Make Dr. Khalil aware of your plans so that he can design your entire surgical treatment plan around these goals.
Also, keep in mind that becoming pregnant and breastfeeding can stretch out the breast tissue and skin, possibly leading to breast sagging (ptosis). If this is a concern, breast lift surgery may be needed in the future.
Contact Dr. Khalil Today
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Khalil to discuss your breast implant options, please contact our Beverly Hills plastic surgery office today.
