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Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation
Many women considering breast augmentation surgery who are also planning to have families in the future wonder about the impact that the procedure may have on their ability to breastfeed. Some believe the false rumors that any breast surgery will prevent them from being able to breastfeed their children, but this is clearly not the case.
Incision Location
If a woman is contemplating breastfeeding in the future, the plastic surgeon should take this into consideration when discussing incision location for breast implant insertion. There should be virtually no impact on the ability to breastfeed when an inframammary or transaxillary incision is used, especially if the breast implants are placed in a submuscular pocket. The infra-areola incision does pose some risk to a limited number of milk ducts, but the clinical impact should be negligible.
Implant Pocket
If pressure is put on the breast glands, it may impede milk flow and reduce milk production over time. Implants placed directly under the glandular tissue (submammary) increase the risk of compressing the glands and limiting breastfeeding abilities. Therefore, patients who are concerned about the ability to breastfeed after a breast augmentation should have their implants placed under both the glandular tissue and the pectoral muscle in order to reduce the weight put on the breast glands.
Natural Circumstances to Consider
Women with certain breast types, such as minimal glandular tissue, are naturally at risk for having reduced or very limited milk production. While some of them may attribute their subsequent inability to breastfeed to their breast augmentation surgery, it is far more likely that this problem is related to their own natural deficiency of breast tissue.
During your consultation, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub will evaluate you and your concerns to help determine the best techniques for your unique circumstances. Please call (480) 451-3000 or fill out our online contact form for more information. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast specialist, Dr. Turkeltaub offers high-quality patient care to meet your individual needs and breast augmentation goals.