Does Breast Augmentation Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by: Dr. Ronald DeMars

With over 30 years of experience, Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald DeMars has met with countless women who wish to enhance their appearance with breast augmentation. A common question he regularly receives from his breast augmentation patients is, “Will implants affect my ability to breastfeed?” This is an understandable concern as there are a lot of rumors and misconceptions circulating about breast augmentation and breastfeeding. In this blog post, Dr. DeMars clears up the confusion regarding the subject.

Breastfeeding after Breast Augmentation Is Safe

Some breast augmentation patients worry that their implants will leak and potentially contaminate their breast milk, but the odds of this occurring are extremely low. Modern implants are stronger and safer than ever before. Saline implants are made of sterile salt water solution. If a saline implant leaks, the solution will be safely and naturally absorbed by the woman’s body, posing no harm to the woman or the baby. Silicone implants consist of a silicone shell and are pre-filled with a silicone gel. If a silicone implant ruptures, no liquid is released into the body.

While breastfeeding with implants is safe, a woman’s ability to properly breastfeed can depend on the incision pattern used during breast augmentation. If you plan on having children in the future and breastfeeding is important to you, be sure to mention this to Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald DeMars. The doctor can find a surgical approach that will not affect your ability to breastfeed properly.

The Right Time for Breast Augmentation

Although breastfeeding after breast augmentation is possible, Dr. DeMars recommends that women postpone their procedure until they are done weaning their children. This is because breast tissue and skin elasticity change after pregnancy and breastfeeding, potentially altering the results of breast augmentation. If you are considering breast augmentation to address the concerns brought on by pregnancy and breastfeeding, you will need to wait until your breast size and shape has stabilized.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. DeMars

Would you like to learn more about breast augmentation surgery? If so, schedule a consultation with Dr. DeMars. Following a thorough examination of your breasts and anatomy, and discussion of your aesthetic concerns and goals, the doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan that best achieves your desired outcome.

Please schedule your appointment by calling Dr. DeMars Portland office at (503) 253-3458.