If you’re planning to get pregnant after breast augmentation, you’re probably wondering if the procedure will affect your ability to breastfeed. The good news is that, in most cases, you can still breastfeed after a boob job. However, it’s important to understand that the ability to breastfeed can vary from person to person, regardless of whether they have implants.
Location, Location, Location
If you’re getting breast augmentation and plan to have children in the future, the location of your incisions and breast implant placement are factors to consider. You should discuss these choices with your surgeon during the consultation.
Incision Location
During breast augmentation surgery, your plastic surgeon may insert your implants through incisions in the armpit, in the crease beneath the breast, or around the areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple). Incisions made in the armpit and beneath the breast are less likely to impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Incisions around the areola may sever nerves or milk ducts, potentially reducing milk flow. However, some women who have had implants placed through incisions around the areola can breastfeed.
Implant Placement
A surgeon may place implants between the glandular breast tissue and chest muscle or behind the muscle. Implants placed directly against breast tissue can exert pressure and are more likely to crowd the milk ducts. This crowding can make it more difficult for a woman to produce enough breast milk or for the milk to flow freely during feedings. Implants placed beneath the chest wall muscle layer are less likely to interfere with milk production or flow.
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Is It Safe To Breastfeed With Implants?
Whether you choose implants filled with saline or silicone gel, most experts consider it safe to breastfeed with implants. The ducts and glands are rarely affected because the implant is behind the glands. The cohesive silicone gel used in modern implants is unlikely to leach into breast milk, and if a saline implant ruptures, you’ll immediately know when it happens. In one of our earlier blog posts, you can read more about the differences between saline and silicone implants.
How Long To Wait After Breast Augmentation To Breastfeed?
While there’s no set rule on how long you should wait after breast augmentation before attempting to breastfeed, we generally recommend you wait at least a few months after surgery before becoming pregnant. This interval allows your body to heal and the implants to settle into their final position.
Interestingly, the longer the time between breast augmentation and breastfeeding, the higher the chances your milk supply will be sufficient. This is because your body has had more time to adjust to the implants and heal completely.
Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Success
It’s important to remember that having trouble breastfeeding isn’t unique to women with breast implants. Many factors can influence breastfeeding success, including:
Implant size: Larger implants may compress natural breast tissue, potentially affecting milk ducts and nerves.
Your anatomy: Some women naturally have less glandular tissue, which can affect milk production regardless of implants.
Support and technique: Proper breastfeeding support and technique are crucial for success, with or without implants.
Meet With Dr. Dax
While breast augmentation may present some challenges for breastfeeding, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to nurse your baby. Many women with implants successfully breastfeed without any issues. If you’re considering getting implants and want to discuss your options with Dr. Dax, request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (781) 740-7840 .
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