Breastfeeding After Breast Enhancement Surgery

Many women planning on breast augmentation would like to have children later. A common question is “will my breasts be able to safely produce milk after having breast implants?”

There are side effects with all surgical procedures. There is a possibility that breast augmentation may have an effect on future breastfeeding, but the chances are you will be able to safely breastfeed. Your surgeon can help you make decisions that will reduce the effects on breastfeeding.

Two types of incisions for breast augmentation are around the nipple, and the inframammary incision, which is on the crease on the bottom of the breast. The inframammary incision causes no division of milk glandular tissue or ducts, and reduces the risk of any negative effect on breastfeeding. Incisions around the nipple do divide some of the milk glands, which makes it a little more risky, but breastfeeding has a high chance of being successful with either incision.

There have been numerous studies on the risk of babies breastfeeding from mothers with breast implants, and so far no risks have been found. It is safe for babies to breastfeed after their mother has undergone a breast augmentation procedure.

Pregnancy can cause a natural droop of the breasts, and some women with breast implants decide not to breastfeed for fear that it will have a negative effect on the results of their surgery. About three years ago a study suggested that breast were affected by pregnancy regardless of whether the mother breastfed or not. My experience suggests otherwise.

Women who would like to enhance the shape or size of their breasts will more than likely not have their ability to breastfeed be affected by their surgery, although there is a possibility. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and together you can make choices that will minimize the risks while enjoying the results.

Dr. York Yates is a leading Utah plastic surgeon who writes articles on Utah breast enhancement and other procedures.