Breastfeeding with breast implants is a common concern among new mums and expectant mothers or those who already have undergone breast augmentation. The answer is generally yes, you can breastfeed with implants. However, the type, size and position of the implant and incisions made during surgery can all impact your ability to breastfeed successfully.
Being well-informed about how implants might impact your ability to breastfeed, as well as understanding the effects and tips for managing breastfeeding with implants, can help you make confident decisions. Before you consider going ahead with a breast augmentation procedure, we hope to give you some straightforward, easy-to-understand advice here based on facts rather than opinions. Speaking to an expert in these matters is always advisable, and the team of professionals at Enhance Medical Group must be patient and understanding. They will have all the answers to your questions and will guide you towards the best option for your circumstances.
How Do Breast Implants Affect Breastfeeding?
So, can breast implants and breast-feeding work together successfully? The short answer is yes. However, some elements of the breast augmentation procedure have been known to affect a mother’s milk supply, and several factors at play may affect breastfeeding success and comfort:
- Position of the surgical incisions (and subsequent nerve damage)
- The size and placement of the implant itself
- The type of breast augmentation surgery you’ve had
- Scarring of the milk ducts
- Having a lower level of glandular tissue to begin with
Position & Location of Surgical Incisions
One key factor that could affect breastfeeding success is the location and method of the surgical incision. Incisions made around the areola pose a higher risk of severing milk ducts or damaging essential nerves. This might impair milk flow or reduce sensation in the nipples, which can hinder the let-down reflex and make breastfeeding more difficult or impossible.
Placing the incision under the breast or in the armpit makes it less likely for milk production to be affected. The glandular tissue and nerves in this area are also left intact, meaning that breastfeeding is not compromised.
Types, Position & Size of Implants & Their Impact on Breastfeeding
Implant Type
Saline Implants: These are filled with sterile saltwater. If a rupture occurs, the body safely absorbs the saline. The impact on breastfeeding is similar to that of silicone implants.
Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, these implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue. Concerns about silicone leaks affecting breastfeeding are minimal, as the gel stays within the implant shell even if it is ruptured.
Implant Size
Larger Implants: Larger implants may exert more pressure on breast tissues and potentially affect milk ducts, compromising the effective flow of milk through the breasts.
Smaller Implants: Smaller implants are less likely to interfere with the glandular and ductal components of the breast. This can make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable.
Implant Position
Under the Muscle Implants: During most procedures, the preferred choice is to place the implant under the muscle (and behind the milk glands). This should not affect milk production, supply, or the ability to breastfeed successfully, as the glandular tissue (which produces the milk) rests above the layer of muscle.
Over the Muscle Implants: With over-the-muscle implants, as the chest muscle sits behind the milk-producing tissue, there is a higher chance that breastfeeding may put more pressure on the ducts and glands. This can then interfere with milk flow and production (like an engorged breast).
When you have your consultation at Enhance Medical Group, you will have the opportunity to discuss all of this with their team of professionals, including placing breast implants under or over the muscle. Your personal situation and any plans for future children will all be considered, and you will be advised accordingly.
Will Breastfeeding Ruin My Implants?
You may be worried that breastfeeding will negatively impact the appearance of your breast implants. It’s entirely normal for breasts to change in size and shape during and after pregnancy and when breastfeeding, with the extent of this change differing from person to person.
While your natural shape may change, the shape of your breast implants will stay the same and won’t be impacted by breastfeeding. However, you may notice a change in overall appearance if your natural shape and size change after pregnancy and while breastfeeding; again, this is different for every individual.
Tips for Breastfeeding with Implants
- Speak to Your Surgeon: Discuss your breastfeeding goals with your cosmetic surgeon prior to implant surgery. Opt for surgical techniques that preserve the milk ducts and nerves. At Enhance Medical, we always use surgical techniques that minimise the potential for adverse side effects and ensure the most optimal results – all of which will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
- Lactation Consultant: Consulting a lactation expert post-birth can provide personalised strategies to facilitate breastfeeding with implants.
Speaking to a lactation consultant post-birth can also help you to optimise breastfeeding efforts whilst addressing any challenges you may have and maintaining the health of your breast implants post-augmentation. Maintaining implant health may include the following:
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor the condition of your implants, especially if you notice changes in breast texture or shape.
- Supportive Bra: Wearing a supportive bra can help manage the additional weight and changes your breasts undergo during breastfeeding.
Discuss Your Breast Augmentation Journey with Enhance Medical
Breastfeeding after having implants placed is perfectly safe and possible. The only thing to consider is the type and size of breast implant you have to achieve your desired results and the potential impact of this on your ability to breastfeed. Surgical techniques, implant placement, and individual anatomy can all impact your ability to breastfeed.
Although breastfeeding may result in your breasts changing size and shape and, therefore, looking and feeling slightly different, the actual shape of your implants will not be affected in any way. For this reason, you may choose to have further procedures, which might be when you have no plans for more children, and this is a perfectly safe and acceptable option too. The important things to consider are that you are content with your shape, whether before, during or after pregnancy and breastfeeding; furthermore, should you choose to breastfeed, that you are confident that you can do so safely and successfully. After all, happy mummy means a happy baby.
There’s no ideal time of life to have breast implants, but if you want to know the best time for you as an individual then speaking to one of the team at Enhance Medical Group is a good place to start. Some women prefer to wait until after nursing their children, others want to get on with it sooner. There are ways to accommodate everyone’s preferences, so don’t think you’ve left it too late or even that you’re approaching it too soon.