Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding: Unravelling the Myths

Breast augmentation and breast feeding: many are the doubts surrounding this issue. In this article, we'll help you unravel the myths about this.

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. The important thing is to have realistic expectations and to understand the benefits as well as the possible risks of breast augmentation.

One of the most common doubts among those who want to have breast augmentation surgery is whether it is possible to breastfeed normally after having silicone implants placed.

The evolution of surgical techniques and the amount of information available have allowed women to carry out this type of procedure with greater confidence and safety.

Proof of this is the number of women who, even before becoming mothers, undergo breast augmentation because they know that having silicone implants doesn't prevent them from having a peaceful maternity and breastfeeding without any problems.

Is breast augmentation compatible with breastfeeding?

We can say straight away that breast augmentation is perfectly suitable for patients who still want to have children and breastfeed. The main reason for this has to do with 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 (sub-glandular, subfascial or submuscular), none interfere with breastfeeding.

In the case of sub-glandular implant placement, the prostheses are placed between the gland and the muscle.
In the subfascial plane, the implants are placed below the muscle fascia.
in the 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.

There is therefore 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 cause breast sagging, due to weight variations.

If the patient is already trying to conceive or wants to have a child very soon, it is advisable to postpone 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 the areolar incision - 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. So, in case a woman wants to breastfeed after having a breast augmentation, it is advisable not to choose this type of incision.

As for the implant, it is always placed below the mammary gland.

DOES THE IMPLANT INTERFERE WITH THE BABY'S SUCKING?

Myth - The implant does not affect the baby's sucking.

There may be other factors that interfere with sucking, that are not related to breast augmentation, 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 can breastfeed using a breast pump, as the device reproduces the baby's sucking.
Likewise, the breast pump does not damage 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, or 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 at all.

BREAST AUGMENTATION CAN'T BE PERFORMED WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

True.

This question comes up a lot among thin or under-breasted patients who feel that their breasts get 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, since it produces and stores milk.

When you stop breastfeeding and the breast stops producing milk, its size will decrease even more.

Therefore, to carry out a breast augmentation and be sure of what size prosthesis to use, the patient must have the breast sized dry, after the total cessation of milk production.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the patient should wait around six months after stopping breastfeeding to undergo a breast augmentation.

DOES BREASTFEEDING DAMAGE THE PROSTHESIS?

Myth - As already mentioned, the highly cohesive gel inside the prosthesis does not pass through the silicone membrane.

Furthermore, the prosthesis has no contact with milk.

ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON FOR ADVICE

After all, before having any cosmetic procedure, it's essential to be honest with your plastic surgeon about your future maternity goals.

If you're thinking of having children or breastfeeding, you should tell your surgeon so that the best method and surgical techniques for your situation can be chosen.

Cirurgiãs plásticas

At LMR, we prioritize your well-being, ensuring personalized care and natural results.

If you want to carry out your plastic surgery safely and with quality care, book your appointment with one of our doctors specializing in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Important note:

In case this article presents before and after photos please consider them merely demonstrative and may not serve as a reference for your particular case. These images are only to show possible results for one or several surgical procedures. The images we use are of patients who have consented to their use. Any images do not represent a guarantee of results.

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Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding: Unravelling the Myths

Sobre a Médica Especialista
Dr. Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery

PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Nr. 42810

Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, she specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.

Throughout her training, she subspecialized in aesthetic plastic surgery, having worked in world-renowned clinics.

Currently, she is mainly dedicated to face and breast aesthetic plastic surgery and to intimate female surgery.