Breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic procedure for over a decade in the U.S. As compared to 2000, 89% more breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2016. Innovations in technology with new types of implants and new techniques employed in surgery are some reasons why breast augmentation and breast implants are popular.

With breast implant procedures gaining popularity, many women want to know if breastfeeding with implants is safe and advisable. Breastfeeding is obviously the best choice for your baby and provides all the nourishment required for the first six months.

Is Breast Feeding Possible with Implants?

With the right techniques and guidance on correct positioning and latching, many women who have implants should be able to go on to breastfeed. While not every woman is able to breastfeed, breast augmentation with implants should have no impact on the ability to do so.  Implants have not been found to have any harmful effects on the mother or baby in studies.

Placement of implants

Breast implants could be placed over the muscle or underneath it, depending on various factors. The over-the-muscle or "subglandular" placement involves placing the implant behind the breast tissue and on top of the chest muscle. When implants are placed under the muscle, the procedure is called “submuscular/dual-plane placement.” Many experts believe that placing the implant below the glandular tissue can interfere with milk flow, as compared to sub-muscular placement.

The incision’s location

To insert implants, incisions may be made across the areola, below the breasts, or in the armpits. When an incision cuts across the areola, the nerves, and milk ducts may be cut as well, which affects milk production. However, with an incision below the breast, the milk ducts are not affected, and it could be possible to breastfeed.

Formation of scar tissue

Capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissue forms and constricts the implant, resulting in painful and stiff breasts. The risk of capsular contracture could be high with mastitis or inflammation of breast glands that can occur in breastfeeding women. Mastitis can exacerbate the inflammation and pain for women with implants, while it can also affect milk supply.

Excessive or reduced sensitivity

Some women experience excessive sensitivity of breasts and nipples after implants. This may make breastfeeding very painful and difficult. Other women experience reduced sensitivity, which can impact the normal neurohormonal reflex mechanism of milk flow.

Functional tissue availability

When breast reconstruction surgery has been performed in addition to implant placement, there could be insufficient functional breast tissue, which also can hamper milk production. Although milk production in this case is not directly linked to breast implants, having an implant can exacerbate the problem. Studies have found a possible connection between the shape or size of the breasts and the amount of functional tissue. Certain shapes, such as tubular or widely spaced breasts, can have a lesser amount of functional tissue.

Dr. Lewis Andres is a leading specialist in breast implants. He can guide you on breast augmentation options and answer any questions on the possibilities of breastfeeding with implants.

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A private, fully-tailored consultation is your next step to uncovering which surgical route is the right one for you. Dr. Lewis Albert Andres will intently listen to your particular goals in regards to your physical enhancement desires. From there, he will fully discuss all of the available options and meticulously examine

your body to determine with you which is the best course of action to attain your aesthetic objectives. Dr. Andres, a board-certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon in Phoenix & Scottsdale, is committed to delivering some of the best patient care and plastic surgery with honesty, compassion, and expert skill.

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