Is Breastfeeding Possible After Your San Diego Breast Augmentation?

One of the main concerns women have before their breast augmentation here at our San Diego plastic surgery office is whether or not breastfeeding post-surgery is possible. Will there be enough milk for the newborn? Is it safe for the newborn to feed from breasts with implants? These questions are common among women who are interested in getting breast implants to improve the appearance, size, and shape of their breasts.

Breastfeeding is Absolutely Possible Following Breast Implants

By and large, many women who had a breast augmentation in the past and conceived at a later date were able to breastfeed without any difficulties at all. Interference in breastfeeding associated with breast augmentation doesn’t have to do with the surgery itself but where and how the incision is made.

The periareolar (incision on or around the areola) approach in making incisions during a breast augmentation, particularly on the lower outer quadrant, is susceptible to reduced nerve response from the nipple and areola, which may significantly affect milk production.

It should also be noted that the original state of your breasts prior to breast augmentation surgery could affect your ability to breastfeed. Certain breast types are known to cause difficulties in breastfeeding such as tubular-shaped breasts, underdeveloped breasts, asymmetrical breasts, and widely spaced breasts (greater than 1.5 inches of flat space between them).

Silicone Issues

As to the question on whether the silicone in implants will affect the newborn’s health, several clinical studies has found no evidence at all linking silicone implants to health risks in newborns. In contrast, the silicone found in store-bought infant formulas for formula feeding are found out to be far greater than the ones found in implants. Recent improvements in silicone Gel Implants by Sientra, Allergan and Mentor also help treat issues with silicone breast implants.

Your San Diego Breast Augmentation Consultation

Dr. Chacon and our highly experienced San Diego plastic surgery team will thoroughly discuss incision-related risks during your breast augmentation initial consultation.  If you have plans of childbirth and breastfeeding following surgery, preserving your milk ducts will be part of our surgery goal and this topic should be discussed during your consultation period.

Click here to request a consultation with Dr. Chacon at Divino Plastic Surgery in Chula Vista and San Diego today or call us at 858-633-7546. We look forward to hearing from you soon!