Can You Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
Many women considering breast augmentation have concerns about whether the procedure will affect their ability to breastfeed. The good news is that, in most cases, breastfeeding remains completely possible after breast augmentation surgery.
How Breast Augmentation Affects Breastfeeding
Breast implants are placed in a way that typically does not interfere with milk production or delivery. Here’s how:
Milk Ducts Remain Intact – The milk ducts, responsible for producing and delivering breast milk to the nipple, are not directly affected by the placement of breast implants.
Incision Placement Matters – The two most common incision sites for breast augmentation have minimal to no impact on the ducts:
Inframammary Fold Incision (Under the Breast) – This approach does not disturb the milk ducts at all, ensuring normal breastfeeding function.
Periareolar Incision (Around the Nipple) – While this technique is closer to the ducts, it only minimally affects them, and many women are still able to breastfeed successfully.
Implant Placement Does Not Interfere – Implants are positioned either:
Subglandular (Above the Muscle) – The implant sits behind the glandular tissue and does not disrupt milk production.
Subpectoral (Under the Muscle) – The implant is placed beneath the chest muscle, far away from the ductal tissue, leaving the milk supply unaffected.
Can Breast Implants Impact Milk Supply?
While most women can breastfeed without complications, some factors may affect milk supply,
including:
- Pre-existing breast development issues that impact milk production.
- Prior surgeries that involved the milk ducts or nerves.
- Individual variations in how the body responds to surgery.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation, when performed using common techniques, does not typically prevent a woman from breastfeeding. If you are considering breast implants and have concerns about future breastfeeding, discussing incision placement and implant positioning with your surgeon can provide reassurance.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington today.
