Breast augmentation can restore and enhance the look of the breasts. This includes the shape, size, and symmetry of them. For women who have gone through pregnancy and breastfeeding, changes to the breasts often occur. They can lose their volume, shape, and placement on the chest. A breast augmentation is a great way to restore the look of the breasts. Augmentation can also improve your self-confidence as it helps you look and feel like yourself again. Many women who get the procedure want to understand how it can impact future pregnancies. So, can breast augmentation affect breastfeeding? Below you will find helpful information to guide you through the process.
Can Breast Augmentation Affect Breastfeeding?
In the vast majority of cases, breast augmentation does not prevent a woman from breastfeeding. Many patients with implants successfully nurse their babies. However, there are several factors that influence production and comfort during the process.
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed either under the breast tissue or under the muscle. Talk with your board certified plastic surgeon about your future pregnancy and breastfeeding goals. They can work with you to reduce your risk for future issues.
Subglandular Placement
Implants placed under the breast tissue are referred to as subglandular placement. This placement is close to the milk-producing tissue. While rare, it can have an impact on breastfeeding due to the pressure on the ducts.
Submuscular Placement
Implants placed under the chest muscle are referred to as submuscular. This placement has less effect on milk glands. It is often chosen for women who may want to breastfeed after their augmentation.
Incision Location
The placement of the breast augmentation incisions is a factor. It plays a role in the ability to breastfeed. When you get breast augmentation, discuss your future preferences regarding breastfeeding. They can work around this to reduce your risk for future issues. Below are the two common types of incisions used in breast augmentations.
Inframammary Incisions
Incisions under the breast are referred to as inframammary incisions. Incisions in the armpit are referred to as transaxillary incisions. These incisions generally avoid the milk ducts and nerves. Both of which are vital for breastfeeding.
Perioareolar Incisions
Incisions around the nipple are referred to as periareolar incisions. These carry a slightly higher risk of disrupting milk ducts. In rare cases, they can reduce nipple sensation.
Pregnancy After a Breast Augmentation
Many women want to get breast augmentation before they get pregnant. This is completely safe and possible to do. However, it can come with changes to the look of your breasts. During pregnancy, hormonal shifts cause the breasts to grow and stretch. This is due to the development of milk glands. The distribution of fat around the breasts also changes. These changes impact the appearance of the breast tissue surrounding the implants. However, the implants themselves do not change or interfere with the pregnancy.
Many women with implants notice changes in the volume and shape of their breasts during pregnancy. Skin elasticity can also impact where they sit on the chest. Changes can also occur during the breastfeeding period. The extent of the changes can be impacted by how long you choose to breastfeed. Most women experience changes to the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding. While rare, it is possible for them to return to their pre-augmentation look. This can occur when your hormones stabilize. However, in most cases, a lift or revision is necessary. This helps restore the breasts to their pre-pregnancy appearance.
Timing of Breast Augmentation After Having Children
Enhancing your breasts after having children can restore the size and shape of your breasts. This is true for women who have never had an augmentation. A breast lift or augmentation is a great way to improve the look of the breasts after having children. For women who have had a prior breast augmentation, a lift or revision is often recommended. Many women want to get surgery as soon as possible to feel like themselves again. However, it is beneficial to take time to allow your body to adjust after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Most surgeons recommend waiting between six and twelve months after you finish breastfeeding. Taking the time allows your breasts to fully settle after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some women only have slight changes, while others may need more substantial surgery. Determining which is best for your body takes time. It ensures milk production has stopped and your hormones have balanced out. It also ensures that the breast tissue has fully settled into its new position. When you have fully finished breastfeeding, consider scheduling consultations within the next few months.
Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?
Deciding whether breast augmentation is right for you depends on your personal goals and anatomy. For women who want to restore or enhance the look of their breasts, it is an effective surgical option. The procedure addresses lost volume, asymmetry, and issues with shape. Breast augmentation is not just for women who have had children. Those who have naturally small breasts or have had weight fluctuations are also great candidates. If this sounds familiar, you may be a good candidate.
Candidates should be in good overall health and have maintained a stable weight. Candidates should be non-smokers. If you are a smoker, share this information with your surgeon. You will need to stop smoking before and after surgery. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the procedure. Patients with realistic expectations often experience higher satisfaction with the results.
If you plan on having children in the future, share this information with your surgeon. It does not mean that you cannot get an augmentation. It just means that it will be considered to ensure your results are not seriously impacted. The surgeon will consider the type of implant, the placement of the implant, and the location of the incisions. Each of these factors has an impact on potential future pregnancies. The first step in moving forward with the process is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess if you are a good candidate for the procedure. From there, they will create a customized treatment plan based on your personal anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Top Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
If you are interested in breast augmentation, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule a consultation!
