A common concern among women considering breast augmentation is that the placement of implants will affect their ability to breastfeed should they decide to have children in the future. The truth is, if your body is able to produce milk prior to your breast augmentation procedure, you should still be capable of breastfeeding afterward. However, it is important to note that approximately 25% of women are unable to produce a sufficient amount of milk for breastfeeding regardless of whether or not they received breast implants. As a result, if you have never attempted to breastfeed prior to surgery, your ability to lactate after breast augmentation may be unknown.
Another common misconception about breastfeeding after augmentation is that implant materials will contaminate breast milk should they be exposed to breast tissues. In truth, when the procedure is performed correctly, the saline or silicone material inside the implant should not affect any breast tissues or milk production glands in the rare event of a leak and/or rupture. There is a very minor risk for disruption of the milk ducts with the periareolar approach and/or with an implant placed above the muscle, though this is a low risk, especially if the procedure is performed correctly. If you are concerned about breastfeeding, you can minimize any risk by choosing the incision below the breast with an implant placed under the muscle.
Ultimately, when conducted by a skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation can be an exceptionally rewarding procedure that has no bearing on your ability to safely and effectively breastfeed, assuming you were able to do so prior to the operation.
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If you have any other questions about breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kurkjian, please feel free to contact us today.
