How Do Breast Implants Affect Breastfeeding?

In 2020, breast augmentation ranked among the top five cosmetic procedures in the nation, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Many women considering breast implants who plan to have a family want to know how implants will affect breastfeeding. Although it can vary, depending on how surgery is performed, most women with breast implants who want to nurse their babies can do so successfully.

Does Location Make a Difference?

The ability to breastfeed successfully can depend in part on where implants are placed surgically. In a breast implant procedure, patients and their surgeons have two options for placement location:

• Between the breast tissue and the chest wall muscle: Implants placed underneath the breast tissue can put pressure on the milk ducts, making it more difficult for the milk to flow freely and for women to produce sufficient breast milk.
• Beneath the chest wall muscle: When breast implants are placed beneath the layer of chest wall muscle, they are less likely to interfere with milk flow or production.

What About Incision Location?

Surgeons performing breast implant procedures have several options for incision placement:

• In the crease beneath the breast
• Around the areola
• In the armpit

Incisions placed in the crease beneath the breast or in the armpit are less likely to affect a woman’s ability to nurse a baby. In some cases, incisions made around the areola can sever nerves or milk ducts, reducing the sensation and stimulation of milk flow that a nursing baby causes. However, some women who have breast implants placed through incisions made around the areola are still able to breastfeed. If you are considering breast implants and hope to breastfeed one day, consult with your plastic surgeon about the best surgical approach to protect your ability to nurse a child.

Can Silicone Harm a Breastfeeding Baby?

Some people have expressed concern that silicone implants in the breasts may be harmful to a nursing baby. There is no evidence that silicone implants are contraindicated for breastfeeding, according to the CDC. The agency states that, although research is limited, there have been no recent reports of clinical problems among infants who are breastfed by mothers with silicone breast implants.

Can You Still Breastfeed if Implants Have Affected Milk Supply?

When implants are placed between the breast tissue and chest wall muscles or when incisions are made around the areola, there is a potential for the mother’s supply of breast milk to be reduced. Even if this is the case, it is still possible to have a successful breastfeeding experience, as stated by CDC. It is possible to supplement in a way that supports breastfeeding and provides optimal nutrition.

What’s the Takeaway?

In conclusion, breast implants can affect breastfeeding, but the degree of impact depends on the location of the implant and incision. While there is no evidence that silicone implants harm a nursing baby, implants placed between the breast tissue and chest wall muscles or incisions around the areola can potentially reduce the mother’s milk supply. However, with proper support and supplementation, it is still possible to have a successful breastfeeding experience. Here at Criswell & Criswell, we recommend that women considering breast implants who plan to breastfeed consult their plastic surgeons to determine the best surgical approach to protect their ability to nurse a child.