Can I Breast Feed with Breast Implants?
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation surgery is a very important and vital question to ask, particularly if you are a woman still considering wanting to have children. There is tremendous research on the benefits of breastfeeding for a child, in terms of nurture and forming vital maternal connections, as well as physiological benefits. There is also excellent research on the benefits of breast implants on a mother’s all-important sense of self-esteem.
The good news is that the two benefits can be reconciled if you choose to work with a skilled physician such as Dr. Kotis. During your consultation for breast augmentation, he will discuss your options with you so that together you can make a choice that is best for you and your family.
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation surgery is absolutely possible. Most women have some milk, but some may not have a full milk supply for at least the first baby. However, every drop of milk is tremendously beneficial for your baby, and there are many ways to increase milk production.
The original state of the breasts prior to augmentation is very important in predicting how much milk a mother can make after breast enhancement surgery. Although small breast size alone is not a risk factor for low milk production, certain breast types are known to be risk factors for insufficient glandular tissue. These types include tubular-shaped breasts, widely spaced breasts with greater than 1.5 inches of flat space between them, undeveloped breasts, or asymmetrical breasts. When very little glandular tissue exists, your milk production capability is significantly reduced even before the surgical procedure occurs.
Unfortunately, most women report that they are not advised that they may have an inherent lack of glandular tissue or that breast augmentation can reduce their ability to breastfeed, which is why it is so important to consult with an expert like Dr. Kotis. As with all breast surgeries, severing ducts or nerves will result in lower milk production, and the location, orientation, and extent of the incision determines how much milk production will be affected. Some surgeons may attempt to minimize scarring in breast augmentation surgery to improve the aesthetic appearance of your breasts by placing incisions in less visible areas, such as underneath the breast in the inflammatory fold or around the perimeter of the areola, particularly in the lower, outer quadrant, which may result in reduced nerve response to the nipple and areola, significantly reducing milk ejection, which in turn reduces milk production.
Dr. Kotis also takes into consideration that the area where your implants are placed can also affect your ability to breastfeed. Breast implants can be placed in between your breast tissue and chest muscle, and they also can be placed under the chest muscle to prevent damage to milk ducts and nerves. It is also important to note that if your breasts have been surgically enlarged with silicone or saline implants, your nipples may be more or less sensitive than normal.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kotis if you are wondering about getting breast implants but are concerned about the ability to breastfeed following plastic surgery. With Dr. Kotis most approaches are compatible with breastfeeding, as in his experience incisions made under the fold of the breast or through the armpit shouldn’t cause any trouble.
Contact our practice today to set up your consultation!
