Breast augmentation and breastfeedingThere are many doubts surrounding this issue. Throughout this article, we'll help you unravel the associated myths.
In fact, there are several reasons why a woman decides to have a breast augmentation, usually related to aesthetics and self-esteem. There is no ideal age. Having realistic expectations and understanding the benefits as well as the possible risks of breast augmentation are crucial.
Know if is it possible to breastfeed normally after having silicone implants? is one of the most common doubts among those who want to have breast augmentation surgery.
Developments in surgical techniques and the amount of information available have allowed women to undergo this type of procedure with greater confidence and safety.
Proof of this lies in the number of women who, even before becoming mothers, undergo breast augmentation because they know that having silicone implants won't prevent them from experiencing a peaceful motherhood and breastfeeding without any problems.
Breast augmentation: is it compatible with breastfeeding?
We can say straight away that breast augmentation is perfectly indicated for patients who still wish to have children and breastfeed. The main reason is the techniques used.
Breast augmentation surgery with implants never affects or alters the mammary gland (the place where milk is produced).
The plastic surgeon must maintain the integrity of the areola and nipple and not affect the ducts and nerve endings, so as not to jeopardise lactation. This is because the milk produced in the mammary gland is directed to the nipples via the ducts. Injury to the ducts can therefore prevent or impair the passage of milk.
MYTHS AND TRUTHS
DO BREAST IMPLANTS AFFECT BREASTFEEDING?
Myth - There is no interference between the placement of breast implants and lactation.
Of the various possible implant placement positions (subglandular, subfascial or submuscular), none interfere with breastfeeding.
- In the case of implant placement in subglandular plane, The prostheses are placed between the gland and the muscle;
- No subfascial plane, The implants are located under the muscle fascia;
- No submuscular plane, Finally, the prostheses are placed under the pectoral muscle.
The mammary gland is never affected as it is always above the prostheses, regardless of whether they are placed in front of or behind the muscle.
Like this, there is no interference with the system responsible for producing and transporting breast milk.
However, it is extremely important to use appropriate surgical techniques that do not affect the ducts and nerve endings.
SHOULD BREAST AUGMENTATION ONLY BE PERFORMED WHEN YOU NO LONGER EXPECT TO GET PREGNANT?
Myth - The choice depends solely on the patient, as breast implants do not interfere with the breastfeeding process.
In any case, pregnancies can change the appearance of the breast and make it sag.
If the patient is already trying to conceive or wants to have a child very soon, we recommend postponing the surgery until after the pregnancy.
DOES THE INCISION FOR THE PROSTHESIS INTERFERE WITH MILK PRODUCTION?
True.
There are three types of incisions for silicone prostheses: axillary, areolar and inframammary.
In the case of areolar - where the prosthesis is inserted through the areola - the cut is made in the ducts, the pathways through which the milk passes. Due to the incision, these ducts can be damaged, making it difficult for milk to pass through and even produce.
As for the implant, it is always placed below the mammary gland.
DOES THE IMPLANT INTERFERE WITH THE BABY'S SUCKING?
Myth - The implant has no effect on the baby's sucking.
There may be other factors that interfere with sucking, such as the presence of an inverted nipple, skin lesions in the areolar region and the nipple, mastitis and hormonal changes.
DOES THE IMPLANT ALLOW THE USE OF A BREAST PUMP?
True - Yes.
Women who have had breast implants fitted can breastfeed using a breast pump, as the device reproduces the baby's sucking. Likewise, the breast pump does not harm breast implants.
IS THERE ANY CHANGE IN THE TASTE AND/OR QUALITY OF BREAST MILK?
Myth - There is no change in the taste of breast milk, nor in the quality and quantity produced.
The prosthesis has a highly cohesive gel inside that does not pass through the silicone membrane.
As the prosthesis is placed below the mammary gland, it has no contact with breast milk.
CAN'T BREAST AUGMENTATION BE PERFORMED WHILE BREASTFEEDING?
True.
This question arises a lot among thin or under-breasted patients who feel that their breasts become much smaller during breastfeeding.
Even if the breast has decreased in size, which is due to the atrophy of the gland during the lactation period, its volume is greater than it would be without lactation, due to the fact that it produces and stores milk.
When you stop breastfeeding and your breast stops producing milk, its size will decrease even more.
So, in order to have a breast augmentation and be sure of what size prosthesis to use, the patient must have the right size breast after her milk production has completely ceased.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is advisable for the patient to wait about six months after stopping breastfeeding.
DOES BREASTFEEDING DAMAGE DENTURES?
Myth - As already mentioned, the highly cohesive gel inside the prosthesis does not overcome the silicone membrane.
What's more, the prosthesis has no contact with milk.
ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON FOR ADVICE
Above all, before having any aesthetic procedure, it's important to be honest with your plastic surgeon about your future goals.
If you are thinking of having children or breastfeeding, you should mention this explicitly so that the best surgical method for your situation can be chosen.
At LMR, we prioritise your well-being, guaranteeing personalised care and natural results.
If you want to have your plastic surgery safely and with quality follow-up, book your appointment with one of our doctors specialising in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
