Breast Augmentation: Breast-Feeding Risks

For most women who have undergone a breast augmentation, breast-feeding is an issue they do not consider until years later. While there have been some concerns about the safety of breast milk in mothers with breast implants, there has been enough research to support that the breast milk is not harmful to the baby. However, there are other concerns associated with the mother’s comfort and complications that can arise immediately after surgery that can make breastfeeding difficult for the mother.

In general, a breast augmentation surgery does not harm the mammary glands, which are responsible for producing breast milk. During the surgery the plastic surgeon must create an incision or pocket for the implant to be inserted properly. This incision can be either below or above the pectoral muscles, but it is typically behind the mammary ducts, except under certain circumstances.

It is still possible for the surgeon to disrupt the mammary glands in the process of creating this incision, which can ultimately affect the patient’s ability to produce breast milk. However, there have been some cases where the patient has experienced trauma or nerve damage to the nipple or areola, which can have a significant impact on the mother’s ability to breast-feed. This is because the nipple must have some sensation in order to excrete milk from the mammary ducts.

Having the proper incisions can prevent these complications. Any incision that involves the areola or the nipple puts the patient at a greater risk of experiencing this type of complication. Although it is possible for the surgeon to make incisions in this area without doing any nerve damage, this is mostly dependent on the surgeon’s overall skill.

The chances of having any of these complications from an incision other than around or near the areola are very small. Therefore, most women, and even doctors, will prefer an incision under the arm or the breast fold. However, these incisions around the areola or nipples are less visible than those under the arm or in the breast fold. In rare cases, the surgeon can make an incision from the navel to perform the breast augmentation, but this can produce visible scarring that may not heal as quickly as the other incision sites.

In general, women who have undergone breast augmentation will experience some reduction in the amount of breast milk they can produce, especially if they have chosen an incision that disrupts some of the nerves of mammary glands. Many women do not realize that there are some breasts conditions that can reduce the amount of milk their breasts can produce, even before the surgery. Women with less breast tissue tend to produce less milk than those with larger breasts. As a result, some women may take the risk of having an incision around the areola if they have larger enough breasts.

Most, if not all breast augmentation procedures are performed during a woman’s childbearing years. Therefore, it is important to discuss this aspect of surgery with your doctor, even if you do not plan on having children. Knowing of any possible complications beforehand will make it much easier for the surgeon to avoid them.