Is Breastfeeding Still Possible with Implants?

Posted in Breast Implants

It is not unusual for prospective breast augmentation patients to wonder if their ability to breastfeed will be impacted by implants in the event they decide to have kids in the future. The truth is, not every woman is able to produce a sufficient quantity of breast milk for breastfeeding, no matter if they have received implants or not. As a result, if an individual hasn’t tried nursing a child prior to her breast augmentation, she may not be aware that she wasn’t capable of breastfeeding in the first place (which is a leading contributor to the fallacy that implants hinder one’s ability to properly breastfeed). That being said, patients who are able to produce an ample amount of breast milk before their augmentation should typically be able to nurse their children after implants are placed.

Another misconception about breast augmentation and the ability to breastfeed is that the material found inside implants (be it saline or silicone gel) will contaminate breast milk if it comes into contact with breast tissues and milk production glands. When implants are placed safely and correctly by a board-certified plastic surgeon, the material found inside should not have any negative impact on breast milk purity, even in the rare event of a leak or break.

Ultimately, for anyone concerned about breastfeeding following breast augmentation, there are particular surgical methods that can be used to limit any risk of disrupting milk glands. These techniques include inserting the implants through an inframammary or transaxillary (armpit) incision, as well as placing them beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular position). At the time of the consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, all of these options can be discussed extensively to determine the best approach for one’s individual needs and aesthetic goals.

– Dr. Daniel Mills

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