Breast enlargement surgeries have become quite popular, as many women are not confident or satisfied with the appearance of their breast. If you’re considering getting breast implants or a tummy tuck in St. Clair Shores, you may have also wondered whether breastfeeding is still possible.
How Much Breast Milk Would You Have Produced Originally?
Most patients are concerned with whether they will be able to produce sufficient quantities of milk for breastfeeding since the implants may be obstructing the glands or may have damaged some of the ducts. The truth is that the amount of milk that is produced will be mostly dependent on the condition of the breasts before the surgery was performed.
Patients who have tubular-shaped, undeveloped or asymmetrical breasts will have problems breastfeeding even without breast implants, as their breasts may be unable to produce the amount of milk that is required. The same can be said for those who have widely-spaced breasts that are over 1.5 inches apart. If you have any of these conditions, breastfeeding may not be an ideal option even if the amount of milk that you will produce after breast implants are placed is not affected.
Where Will the Implants Be Placed?
The location of where the implants are placed and the location of the incision will also influence whether the implants may become an obstruction or may block or cut off any of the important ducts that are required for breastfeeding. If the incision was made around the areola or across a portion of it, most experts claim that the scarring will be minimal or hard to notice; however, as a result, the nerve responses may be severed or may be affected.
In addition, an implant that is placed directly under the glandular tissues may cause an obstruction that will impede milk flow. This will cause breast milk production to be reduced overtime. If you are planning on breastfeeding, you should consult with your surgeon regarding the possibility of placing the implants underneath the chest muscles.
Is It Safe?
Last but not least, one of the primary concerns that patients ask is: will it still be safe for the baby to breastfeed after a breast enlargement surgery. Rest assured that the chemicals found within the breast implants are not toxic or harmful at all. Most breast implants contain saline solution. Even if the breast implants are to rupture and the saline solution is to leak and get into the breast milk, your baby will be fine. If you are opting to go with silicone implants, then you should speak with your surgeon in detail regarding your concerns. Most surgeons claim that breastfeeding with silicone breast implants is also fine for the baby.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding even if you have breast implants is safe for the baby. The main problem is whether you will be able to produce sufficient breast milk that is required. If you plan on getting pregnant or breastfeeding later on in life, it is important to voice your concerns with a surgeon, so that he or she can consult you with which placement is most ideal and less likely to disrupt the flow of breast milk.
Schedule Your Consultation
Have additional questions about breast augmentation? Set up a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George Goffas by contacting our Detroit office.
