
How Does Breast Augmentation Effect Nursing For Infants
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures, with many women opting to enlarge their breasts at a younger age. However, what does that mean later on down the road?
While pregnant, many women who have had a breast augmentation are concerned about the ramifications their implants will have on their breastfeeding capabilities. Many women with breast implants are able to nurse, though it depends on how the augmentation was performed – specifically the type of incisions.
- If the incision was made under the breast or through the axilla – there should not be any serious problem with breast feeding because the implant was inserted without damaging milk ducts or nerves.
- If the incision was made on or around the areola – there is an increased chance that the milk ducts and nerves may have been severed. This could limit the ability for the milk to reach the nipple during nursing.
Potential Breastfeeding Problems Caused By Implants
One of the most common problems women with breast implants run into is not being able to produce enough milk to properly nourish a baby. Breast size does not determine if a woman is capable of nursing – even women with very small breasts are able to successfully nurse. Every case is different, so it is important to voice your concerns with your surgeon prior to deciding upon breast augmentation. There are a variety of challenges that women can face when it comes to breast feeding post implants, including:
Nipple sensitivity
- Nipple sensitivity is a normal side effect of breast feeding, however, after having a breast augmentation this problem may be more pronounced. This is especially true for women who have had their implants placed via incisions made around the areola. Before your surgery, mention to your surgeon your wish to breast feed in the future and your surgery plan may be adjusted.
Engorgement
- This is a common problem for many new nursing mothers, especially in the beginning stages. However, for women who have had breast implants, breast milk production may be more of an issue and breast engorgement more severe.
Increased Risk Of Mastitis
- In some instances women who have had breast implants will be at an increased risk for breast infection of mastitis while nursing. This type of infection can easily be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include; fever, chills and pains. It is important to monitor engorged and/or plugged milk ducts.
Breast feeding can be a joyous but also stressful time for new mothers. Even without breast augmentation, many women will have issues with breast feeding and there are a variety of factors that come into play. The important thing is to speak with your physicians about your choice to undergo breast augmentation.
Nursing With Breast Implants – Is There A Risk To The Baby?
Many women with implants are so concerned about potential side effects to their baby that they don’t nurse at all. This fear is usually rooted in what is inside breast implants. Some women, especially those with silicone implants, believe that the chemical material inside implants could leak into the breast milk, and then into the baby’s system. However, studies have shown that it is highly unlikely that this will occur. Studies have shown that that there is no silicone in breast milk of woman who have had a breast augmentation.
Speak With Your Surgeon Before Your Breast Augmentation
If you are considering having children later in life, and want to consider breast augmentation you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. You surgeon will be able to explain in detail all risks and challenges that are associated with breastfeeding a baby after breast implants.
Dr. Duboys has been providing women in the Long Island, NY area with leading breast augmentation procedures for over 30 years. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation surgery, please feel free to contact us at our Huntington, NY office today.