Breast Augmentation and Natural Breastfeeding Concerns

For the vast majority of women who have breast implants, breastfeeding is no more difficult with implants than without. There are some reports that suggest women who have breast implants experience higher rates of inadequate milk supply which could be caused by a milk duct being severed or blocked during the surgery. You need to know this is a possible risk so be very vocal about your desire to breastfeed in the future with your surgeon to make sure he takes extra care during the procedure.

Will the placement of the incision have any effect on the ability to breastfeed? Most case studies show that whether you have the incision along the mammary fold, areola, armpit or belly button it has little affect on your chances to breastfeed. The common belief is that when the incision is made around the areola it will most likely interfere with breastfeeding. I have known hundreds of women who have had the incision around the areola and who were able to breastfeed without any difficulties. Go over your options of incision placement with your surgeon.

Does over the muscle or under the muscle have any effect on the ability to breast feed? Placement of the implant does not seem to have much effect on breastfeeding. However those who had the implant above the muscle in some research had higher percentages of women who complained of inadequate milk supply than those that had the placement of the implant under the muscle.

What if your Plastic Surgeon recommends a breast lift or a Breast Lift With Augmentation? Is it still possible to breastfeed? Yes absolutely. During a lifting procedure the surgeon does not remove any glandular tissue he only removes excess skin under and around the areola and moves the nipple up. The surgeon does not at any time sever the nipple form the gland which is a common misconception. You should be just fine to breastfeed with either a breast lift or a breast lift with augmentation. Again there are exceptions to this and some people do experience issues with either not producing enough milk or not producing any milk at all. This may often not have anything to do with the Plastic Surgery. You should discuss with your surgeon your concerns and goals about breastfeeding in the future.

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