Pregnancy and breast implants
Most pregnant women will consider whether to breastfeed when their baby is born. If you have breast implants then you may wonder if this will be possible and if so, will having implants affect the amount of milk you can produce and your ability to breastfeed. You may also be concerned if your breasts will change shape and size by breastfeeding. Finding the answers and getting prepared will help you make informed decisions about breastfeeding with implants.
1. Can I breastfeed with breast implants?
Breastfeeding after having breast implants is usually possible. It may however not be as easy if you have breast implants than if you haven’t. However, if you are dedicated to breastfeeding, whether it is breastfeeding exclusively or supplementing your baby’s nutritional requirements, you will be secure in the knowledge that you are giving your baby the best start in life.
2. Will I produce less milk if I have breast implants?
During your surgery to insert breast implants there is a risk that some ducts and nerves may have been damaged and this can lead to lower milk production.
Breast implants can be placed under the breast tissue and over the muscle on which the breast lies or under the muscle either completely or partially. Implants are usually inserted through incisions in the fold under the breast. Alternatively, the incisions may be around the areola or in the armpit. The location and extent of the incisions will determine how much milk production will be affected.
When breast implants are inserted under the fold of the breast or under the arm, there is less risk of damage to important nerves and milk ducts. Sometimes implants are inserted at the edge of the areola. An incision on or around the perimeter of the areola carries more risk of damage to the ducts and nerves. If the nerve sensation to the nipple has been damaged it may affect both milk supply and milk release. Find out more about it in our blog post “The best place for your breast implants”
It is also important to consider your original breast type as this is very important in predicting how much milk you are likely to make once you have implants. Certain breast types are known to be potentially likely to have a low milk production such as tubular-shaped breasts, widely spaced breasts, undeveloped breasts and asymmetrical breasts.
3. Will my baby have any side effects if I breastfeed with implants?
Some mothers worry that the quality of their milk may be affected by implants. There is no evidence that any silicone is found in breast milk or that your baby will experience any side effects if you have implants and breastfeed.
4. Which questions should I ask about my breast augmentation
If you’re pregnant and you’re considering breastfeeding with implants then it’s a good idea to ask your cosmetic surgeon who performed your breast augmentation about how they inserted your implants including where the incisions were made, where the implants have been placed and if they expect your ability to breastfeed to be affected.
5. What are my cosmetic breast surgery options following breastfeeding
Your implants will not change shape or volume after breastfeeding your baby. However, like all mothers who choose to breastfeed, the breast skin becomes looser after breastfeeding and if you have implants then this may cause the implant-breast relationship to change. Pregnancy and breastfeeding affects natural breasts differently for different women and the same goes for women with breast implants. Some women see little change after breastfeeding, but often the position of the implant after breastfeeding will be less harmonious or natural than before.
There are many options for restoring your pre-baby body if you have breast implants. A breast uplift procedure (mastoplexy) will remove excess skin from your breasts and improve their shape or you may choose a breast augmentation with a larger implant that fits better with your breasts after breastfeeding.
It is recommended that you wait at least six months after the time you finish breastfeeding your baby before having a breast uplift or breast augmentation so that your results are natural and long-lasting. If you are thinking of having more children it may be worth postponing your breast surgery until you have completed your family to avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Here you can find our guide prices for cosmetic surgery procedures.
Read more cosmetic surgery blog posts to find answers from our consultants to the most common questions including: how to choose a cosmetic surgeon, best place for breasts implants, cosmetic surgery after weight loss surgery.
About Ramsay Health Care cosmetic breast augmentation and uplift services
Ramsay Health Care Cosmetic Surgery is a leading provider of cosmetic breast surgery in the UK.
Whether you are considering uplifting or enlarging your breasts, Ramsay offers cosmetic breast surgery procedures performed by the highest qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeons in the UK.
Having cosmetic breast surgery is a very personal and individual matter. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a cosmetic breast augmentation or uplift procedure in more detail.
This content is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your Consultant Surgeon would give you.
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References
http://www.bfar.org
http://baaps.org.uk/procedures/breast-augmentation
https://www.amazingbreastmilk.nhs.uk/how-to-breastfeed/feeding-with-implants/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Breast-implants/Pages/Results.aspx