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Can I Breastfeed After a Breast Augmentation?

Image of Ginger Lizardo, RN
Ginger Lizardo, RN

It’s a common misconception that you can’t breastfeed after breast enhancement or augmentation. But as it turns out, that’s as much of a myth as the stork that supposedly brings the baby home. In fact, it turns out that most patients can breastfeed just fine. But there are some things that you should know regarding breast enhancement surgery.

How Does Breast Augmentation Work?

First off, let’s look at the actual augmentation process itself. While each augmentation is different, there are a few commonalities in most surgeries: the affected areas usually don’t disturb the milk ducts at all.

What about placement? At Image Surgical Arts, implants are always placed underneath the main chest muscle, resulting in minimal disturbance to the actual breast anatomy itself. In breast augmentation, no tissue is removed thus generally causing minimal effects to the breastfeeding process. Studies have shown that there is ten times more silicone found in cow’s milk and 100 times more silicone in formula that what is in the breast milk of a woman with silicone breast implants.

Just in case, though, it’s important to know how the procedure works and how it may affect your ability to breastfeed. In very rare cases, incisions are made around the areola and the armpit to hide any scarification from the surgery. These may affect the sensation around the nipple, potentially reducing the infant’s latching ability.

Will Surgery Hinder My Ability to Breastfeed?

Everyone’s initial breast shape and size is unique. In addition to the type of surgery you underwent, your initial breast type will affect your risk. Some women have difficulty breastfeeding to begin with and surgery may further complicate one’s ability.

If your procedure was relatively minimal and your breasts were relatively symmetrical and regularly-shaped to begin with,you are more likely to be at no risk. If your breasts were flat or somewhat tubular pre-surgery, your breastfeeding ability may have been compromised even before surgery. Whether or not this happens can only be found out post-surgery. Additionally, some procedures may affect the ducts. To prevent this from happening or to see if this may affect you, talk to your surgeon to see what kind of procedure you had. If you have not yet had your surgery, consult your surgeon to minimize the risk.

Free eBook: Questions Moms Ask About Breast Augmentation

What’s Right for Me?

If you are looking to breastfeed after an augmentation, be sure to consult with your surgeon. Before your surgery, express your intent to breastfeed. Afterward, talk to your surgeon about the type of surgery you have undergone and follow through with your recovery and aftercare. At Image Surgical Arts, we want to make sure that you exit surgery confidently and healthily. Our team is here to help you look and feel your best.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in finding out whether you’re a good candidate for a breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule an in-person consultation at Image Surgical Arts. 

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