Is Breastfeeding Okay after Breast Augmentation?
With nearly 280,000 women having chosen to get breast implants in 2015 alone, there’s more than one thing that a vast majority of them has in common. Whether or not breastfeeding will still be possible following a breast augmentation is a big concern for a large number of women who are considering implants. In fact, most women tend to believe that they’ll have to choose between a breast augmentation and breastfeeding. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
But thankfully, experts say that this just isn’t the case. While the location of the implant can affect a woman’s ability to produce milk, in most cases, her breast augmentation won’t keep her from breastfeeding. If this is something that’s a concern for you, choose a plastic surgeon who will work to ensure that your implants won’t be a problem for breastfeeding.
The Location of the Implant Matters
If breastfeeding is important to you, let your plastic surgeon know so that he or she can tailor your breast augmentation to fit your needs. If the incision is placed under the breast crease, rather than at the nipple, most women don’t have any problem breastfeeding in the future. Another option is to place the implants behind the chest muscle, leaving the natural breast tissue in front of the implant.
This is where it’s especially important to work with an experienced plastic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable explaining and outlining your goals. He or she should be skilled and experienced enough to be able to avoid cutting around the nipple, thus eliminating the possibility that any milk ducts or nerve endings are damaged. Your plastic surgeon should also consider the placement of your implants in relation to the mammary glands, which should be given enough space to receive adequate blood flow and function properly. But when performed carefully, a breast augmentation should not interfere with your ability to breastfeed. (ABC News, New Kids Center)
Leaks Are Nothing to Worry About
Some women are also concerned about the possibility of their implants leaking into their milk supply. But thanks to vast improvements in the way implants are designed, experts say that leaks are nothing to worry about. Dr. Stephen Greenberg, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the author of the book A Little Nip, a Little Tuck, assures women that because implants are now made of memory gel or cohesive gel that sticks together, today’s implants won’t leak. “There are no worries whatsoever about leaking free silicone and having the child exposed,” Greenberg says. (ABC News)
Know Your Goals and Priorities
While most women don’t have any problem at all when it comes to breastfeeding after a breast augmentation, if this is something that is very important to you, make sure you fully communicate this priority to your plastic surgeon. This should be something you take into consideration when choosing the right plastic surgeon to work with. When doing your research, don’t be afraid to make a few phone calls or even schedule a consultation or two. Ask questions about the way your procedure will be done, and make sure your surgeon knows that it’s important to you that the incision won’t affect your ability to breastfeed.
Why Choose Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for Your Breast Augmentation?
Because choosing the right plastic surgeon can be such a huge part of any procedure, it’s important that you feel comfortable and well-informed. At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil makes patient comfort and education his top priority. When you schedule a consultation with him, Dr. Heil will make sure you fully understand the details of your breast augmentation and will work closely with you to ensure your goals and needs are met. Dr. Heil can be contacted at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh at 724-264-3608.
If breastfeeding is a concern for you, rest assured that Dr. Heil has ample knowledge and experience in his field. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He then completed a five-year integrated residency training program in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as a fellowship in Micro Surgery and Thrombosis Research from the University Medical Center of Pittsburgh. In addition, Dr. Heil is well-respected in the Pittsburgh medical community, and is a member of organizations such as the Robert H. Ivy Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Pittsburgh Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The Bottom Line
For many women, breastfeeding can be an integral part of motherhood, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also enjoy the benefits of a breast augmentation. As long as you’re clear about your goals and priorities and you choose the right plastic surgeon who can help you achieve those goals, there’s no reason why you can’t have implants and breastfeed, too. Contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil in Pittsburgh at 724-264-3608 if you’d like to schedule a consultation to further discuss your options.
