Whether breast implants will affect your ability to breastfeed depends on a number of factors, including the type of implants you have, the placement of the implants, and the amount of breast tissue that was removed during surgery.
In general, breast implants placed under the muscle (submuscular) are less likely to affect breastfeeding than implants placed above the muscle (subglandular). This is because submuscular implants are less likely to interfere with the milk ducts and the milk-producing glands.
However, even submuscular implants can affect breastfeeding in some cases. If the implants are placed too close to the milk ducts or glands, they can block milk production or make it difficult to breastfeed.
The amount of breast tissue that was removed during surgery can also affect breastfeeding. If a large amount of breast tissue was removed, it may be more difficult to produce enough milk to breastfeed.
If you are considering breast implants and are concerned about their impact on breastfeeding, it is important to talk to your surgeon. Your surgeon can assess your individual circumstances and help you make the best decision for you.
Here are some additional things to consider when thinking about breastfeeding with breast implants:
- The type of implants: As mentioned earlier, submuscular implants are less likely to affect breastfeeding than subglandular implants.
- The placement of the implants: The placement of the implants can also affect breastfeeding. If the implants are placed too close to the milk ducts or glands, they can block milk production or make it difficult to breastfeed.
- The amount of breast tissue removed: If a large amount of breast tissue was removed during surgery, it may be more difficult to produce enough milk to breastfeed.
- Your own expectations: It is important to have realistic expectations about breastfeeding with breast implants. You may not be able to produce as much milk as you would have if you had not had implants.
Breast implants can potentially affect an individual’s ability to breastfeed, but the impact varies depending on several factors, including the surgical technique used, the location of the incisions, and the extent of the breast tissue and milk ducts preserved during the surgery. Here are some considerations regarding breast implants and breastfeeding:
- Incision Placement: The location of the incisions made during breast implant surgery can influence the potential impact on breastfeeding. Incisions made around the areola (periareolar) or in the fold under the breast (inframammary) have a higher chance of affecting milk ducts and nerves, which may reduce milk supply or nipple sensation. Transaxillary (through the armpit) or transumbilical (through the belly button) incisions are less likely to affect breastfeeding.
- Nipple Sensation: Breast augmentation surgery can potentially affect nipple sensation. If the nerves that supply the nipples are disrupted during surgery, it may lead to altered or reduced nipple sensitivity, which could impact breastfeeding.
- Milk Ducts: Breast implants placed beneath the chest muscle may have less impact on the milk ducts and may preserve breastfeeding ability compared to implants placed above the muscle. However, the specific surgical technique and the extent of breast tissue manipulation during surgery can vary, and this should be discussed with your surgeon.
- Individual Variation: Each individual’s anatomy is unique, and the impact of breast implants on breastfeeding can vary. Some women with breast implants can breastfeed without any issues, while others may experience challenges.
- Pre-existing Breast Anatomy: If an individual has inadequate breast tissue or milk ducts prior to surgery, they may have reduced milk supply regardless of breast implants.
- Pregnancy and Hormonal Factors: Pregnancy and hormonal changes during breastfeeding play significant roles in milk production. Regardless of breast implants, pregnancy and nursing hormones will still have a significant influence on milk production.
It’s important to discuss your desire to breastfeed in the future with your plastic surgeon during the pre-operative consultation. A skilled and experienced surgeon will consider your goals and tailor the surgical approach to minimize potential interference with breastfeeding while achieving your desired breast augmentation outcome.
If you plan to breastfeed after breast implant surgery, it’s essential to be realistic about the potential impact on breastfeeding and communicate your intentions with your healthcare providers to receive appropriate guidance and support during pregnancy and lactation.