Huntsville Alabama Oral | Facial & Cosmetic Surgery's Blog

Can I Breast Feed After Breast Augmentation?

Can I Breast Feed After Breast Augmentation?It’s possible for most mothers to breastfeed with implants. Based on this, it depends on the placement and size of the implants. Whether or not you can breastfeed following implants also depends on the type of surgery you have had. There should be no problem breastfeeding if the incision is through your armpit or under the fold of your breasts. 

Taking this account, if the incision is made around the areola for inserting the implants, there is a high chance the milk ducts may have been cut. McLain Surgical Arts, led by reliable cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides breast augmentation surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Implants Usually Don’t Affect Breastfeeding 

Implants are generally placed under the chest muscles or behind the milk glands. This doesn’t affect milk supply. Pertaining to this, the depth and location of the incision may affect a mother’s ability to breastfeed. There is less risk of problems if the surgery keeps the areola intact. This is the dark area surrounding the nipple. 

The nerves around the nipples play a major role in breastfeeding. Hormonal levels oxytocin and prolactin are increased by the suckling sensation made by a baby. Prolactin triggers milk production in a woman’s body while oxytocin helps in the let-down. Sensation is reduced when the nerves are damaged. Incisions made through the armpit, under the breast or belly button interfere less with breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding with Implants is Largely Safe

There haven’t been major clinical reports of issues with breastfeeding in mothers with silicone implants as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no clear method for detecting silicon levels accurately in breast milk. Silicon levels were found to be the same in the breast milk of women with implants and without implants as per a 2007 study. 

There is no evidence of birth defects or any other risks in babies born to women with breast implants. However, breast implants are not completely free of risks. These are a few of them:

  • You may need additional surgery for removal or corrections
  • Changes in nipple and breast sensation
  • Capsular contracture which refers to scar tissue formation around the implant. Capsular contracture squeezes the implant.
  • Rupture of implants
  • Breast pain

Other Factors Effecting Breastfeeding with Implants

The majority of women with breast implants have no problem with breastfeeding. The original state of the breasts before the cosmetic surgery and the type of incision used determines whether you can breastfeed or not. In accumulation of all of this, having breast implants can affect the supply of breast milk in some cases. In most cases, the amount of breast milk is not affected at all because of implants. 

You may worry about the effects of breastfeeding on your implants. Breasts change their size and shape during pregnancy as your body prepares for breastfeeding. While this won’t affect your implants, it may change the shape and size of your breasts. You may be able to decrease the need for further revisions or adjustments by waiting until you have had children to get breast enhancement done. 

Established and caring cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for breast augmentation surgery.

Contact McLain Surgical Arts in Huntsville, AL to Schedule a Consultation

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL.  Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing.

For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

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