Breastfeeding and Implants
There is a lot for women to consider when they are deciding if the breast augmentation procedure is the right choice for them. The breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery procedure in which implants are inserted into the breasts in order to increase the size of the breasts as well as improve the proportion and shape.
While there are many benefits for Orange County women who opt to have the breast implant procedure performed, there also are risks. Newport Beach women should understand the implications that this surgery might have on their ability to breastfeed after the fact.
What Do I Need to Know About Breastfeeding and Implants?
While breastfeeding might be possible after the breast implant surgery, it is not guaranteed. Women who are considering having this surgery prior to having children should be aware that they may not be able to breastfeed their children in the future.
However, there is no hard and fast rule. It often depends on the individual situation, the type of surgery that was performed and the location of the incisions. The surgeon will be able to provide each woman with greater clarity about her own chances of breastfeeding after this operation.
Women who are able to breastfeed after the surgery do not have to worry that their silicone implants will harm their baby. Silicone implants are not always used in this surgery, but when they are, patients should note that there is a risk that the silicone implant can leak in the future.While this may cause pain or disruption to the woman’s appearance, it will not impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Leaking silicone cannot penetrate through to the milk ducts and will not be transferred to the baby through feeding.
Breast implants may impact a woman’s ability to produce milk, and therefore make it more challenging to breastfeed. The size and location of the implants may disrupt a woman’s milk production, and can prevent her from making adequate milk in order to feed her baby.
This does not necessarily mean that a woman cannot breastfeed, but she may not be able to breastfeed exclusively or sustain the breastfeeding relationship for a long period of time. Women should discuss the placement of their implants with their surgeon and understand the impact that it could have on breastfeeding and milk production in the future.
If breastfeeding is something that a woman does not want to sacrifice when she has children, then most cosmetic surgeons would recommend waiting until after the child-bearing years in order to have this surgery performed.
Breastfeeding after the surgery also may alter the results of this procedure, so patients should keep that in mind as well. Ultimately, women should be honest about their breastfeeding goals and desires when working with their cosmetic surgeon. A qualified cosmetic surgeon will be able to identify the risks and benefits of this surgery, as well as provide further information about the possibility of breastfeeding after this surgery is complete.