Will Breast Augmentation Affect My Ability to Breast-Feed?
During consultations, a frequently asked question at our Seattle office is about breast feeding after receiving breast implants. Is it possible? Is it safe for the newborn?
Ability to breast-feed
While uncommon, a certain number of patients do experience a disruption in their ability to breast feed. Choosing a surgical incision that avoids manipulation of the nipple can decrease this risk. If breast feeding is likely in your future, you may want to investigate incision techniques such as the inframmary fold incision, transaxillary incision, or transumbilical breast augmentation method.
Although breast feeding is not necessarily compromised by sub-glandular (above the muscle) placement, some surgeons maintain that submuscular breast implant placement reduces the risk as well.
Infant Safety
Research studies published in the late 90s regarding infant safety haven’t found any measurable risks associated with breast implants. In the late 90s, a study was published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showing that women with silicone breast implants show comparable levels of silicone (silicon) in their breast milk to women without implants. It is not known what effect could occur if traces of silicone were to pass through to the infant.
Feel free to speak with Dr. Gottlieb or your OB/GYN if you still have questions and concerns about this topic. Whether you plan to become pregnant or not, it is best to understand all of the possible breast augmentation risks before proceeding with surgery.
