Can You Breastfeed With Implants?

Although thousands of women undergo breast augmentation surgery every year, some misconceptions about this surgery continue to circulate. One common question many women have is: can you breastfeed with implants?

Although many women fear they won’t be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, the truth is that most women can successfully do so without issue. Breastfeeding is an excellent choice for you and your baby, and having breast implants shouldn’t keep you from nursing your baby.

Check out these 5 facts about breast feeding after breast augmentation surgery:

1. Having breast augmentation alone does not affect your ability to breastfeed in the vast majority of cases. The implants can be placed under the muscle (sub-muscular placement), and the incision can be made under the breast crease (inframammary) or in the underarm area (trans-axillary). In these cases, the milk ducts and nipple will not be disrupted. Make sure you discuss your wish to breastfeed in your pre-surgical consultation, so your surgeon can plan your surgery accordingly.
2. A study on breastfeeding with implants showed that nursing does not alter the appearance of augmented breasts. Give breastfeeding a go without worrying how your breasts will look afterward.
3. Both silicone and saline implants are safe to use if you are planning to breastfeed. The implant material will not be interacting with your milk in any way.
4. Getting a breast lift or a breast reduction — not augmentation — could interfere with your ability to nurse. This is because often the nipple needs to be relocated during these procedures, and some of the breast tissue may need to be removed. If you are thinking about a breast lift or reduction, this is something you should discuss with your cosmetic surgeon.
5. Many women have engorgement and discomfort when their milk first comes in after the birth of the baby. This is the case whether you have implants or not. But women with implants may find that their breast size is temporarily very large due to the engorgement combined with the implants. Rest assured that your breasts will go back to a more normal size once you get accustomed to breastfeeding and the engorgement subsides. In the meantime, make sure you have a comfortable nursing bra that isn’t too tight.

The bottom line is, deciding to get breast augmentation is a very personal decision. For many women, waiting until their childbearing years are over is too long, while others may choose to postpone surgery until they are done having children. You and your surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of each approach and what may be best for you and your lifestyle.

Are you interested in how breast augmentation can help improve your figure? Take a look at the GLOW Surgical Arts before and after gallery for breast augmentation or download your free copy of our ebook The Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation.