Women who are considering breast implants, or considering pregnancy after breast implants, understandably have concerns about breastfeeding after breast augmentation. Breastfeeding with implants is possible. Certain types of augmentation surgery, however, can make breastfeeding more difficult.
Breast Implants In Dubai
Breast Implants in Dubai are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for women who are looking to increase breast size, replace lost volume or improve the overall shape of the breasts. One of the most common questions women have when considering breast augmentation is if breast implants will affect their ability to breastfeed in the future. The good news is, many women with breast implants can breast feed their babies after they become pregnant. Your ability to breastfeed will depend on a number of factors including the type of surgical technique used, the placement of the implant and the amount of natural breast tissue you have prior to surgery. In general, breast implants are placed either beneath the chest muscle or beneath the breast tissue and not in a manner that significantly affects the milk-producing glands. Surgeons will often make their incisions in such a way as to try to preserve milk ducts and nerves responsible for breastfeeding function. However, every patient is different and that may affect the patient’s milk production, particularly depending on their anatomy and surgical approach. Women contemplating future pregnancies should be encouraged to discuss their breastfeeding goals in the context of the consultation process. This lets the surgeon choose methods that help reduce disturbance to the breast structures involved in lactation. With great surgical planning and realistic expectations, many women can enjoy the aesthetic benefits of breast implants while preserving the possibility of successful breastfeeding after pregnancy.
Learn more about breast feeding with implants and what type of surgery is best suited to help you breastfeed success.
Breastfeeding After Implants
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is possible, but some studies have found that women with implants have more difficulty breastfeeding than women without implants. Not all augmentation procedures have the same negative impact on breastfeeding. Where the incisions are made, where the implants are placed and the sensation in the nipples can affect your ability to breast feed.
Incision Location
The location of the incisions (where the surgeon makes the incisions for breast augmentation) has a huge impact on breastfeeding after surgery. Incisions around the nipple or areola for breast augmentation can damage milk ducts making breastfeeding difficult or impossible. If breastfeeding is important to you, choose a surgery that puts the incisions elsewhere.
Breast augmentation surgery can be performed with incisions made in the crease under the breast called the inframammary fold, or in the armpits or in the belly button. And when those incisions are made in those areas, there is minimal or no damage to the milk ducts.
Implant Placement
Implants that are placed above the muscle may interfere with the milk ducts in the breast which run well below the surface of the skin. Implants placed underneath the pectoral muscle preserve the milk ducts and make breastfeeding after augmentation much easier.
If you are planning to breast feed, discuss with your doctor the possibility of placing your implants under the chest muscle and away from the sensitive tissue behind your nipples.
Preserving NippleSensation
Nipple sensation is important in breastfeeding as the sensation of suckling stimulates milk production and milk letdown by stimulating hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin. Surgeries that cut around the areola may decrease sensation of the nipple, especially within the first few years after surgery. Damage to the nerves in this area may cause a decrease in milk supply or problems with milk letdown reflex.
The sensation of the nipple is less likely to be affected if the areola is preserved during breast augmentation surgery.
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Pre-Surgery Breast Shape and Breastfeeding
If you are having trouble breastfeeding after implants, it may not be the fault of the implants. If your breast augmentation surgery was corrective for asymmetrical breasts, tubular shaped breasts or under-developed breasts you may have a naturally low milk supply. The breast size itself doesn’t affect the amount of milk produced, but the amount of glandular tissue does.
Tips for Breastfeeding with Implants
- Breast feed straight away especially in the first few weeks. This will signal your body to make more milk.
- Weight your baby regularly to make sure milk supply is enough.
- To make sure your baby latches on well, hold your breast behind the areola and “feed” it to your baby so they get a lot of your breast in their mouth.
- Breast feed frequently. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body produces. Recommended 7 to 9 times daily.
- Pump when you cannot breastfeed. You can also try pumping to empty your breasts to help increase your milk supply.
- Try herbal supplements like fennel, milk thistle or fenugreek which work as galactagogues and might boost milk supply.
- Try lactation cookies containing herbal galactagogues, brewers yeast, oats or flax seed.
- Find a board certified lactation consultant who can observe how you are feeding and give you individualized, helpful advice.
- If you are not producing enough milk, supplement with formula. This doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding. Supplemental Nursing Systems allow you to supplement with formula while your baby is nursing at your breast.
Is It Safe to Breastfeed with Implants?
Silicone and saline implants are safe for breastfeeding. Several studies of mothers with silicone implants found no higher measured levels of silicone in babies who breastfed versus babies who did not breastfeed. The saline implants have also been proven safe since the saline itself is not dangerous to the mother or baby in case it leaks into the milk supply (very rare).
Many studies (including this one by the Institute of Medicine) show no evidence of increased silicone levels in milk from mothers with silicone breast implants. There were no differences in silicone levels in the milk and blood of nursing women with and without implants. In fact, much higher levels of silicon (from silicone) have been routinely found in infant formula and cow’s milk.
But what about leaking from a broken implant? There are two reasons why this shouldn’t be a worry.
“First, silicone breast implants are very durable and have been highly tested to meet the guidelines of Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” The outer covering or shell of silicone implants is supposed to be able to withstand an incredible amount of force (there are videos of people standing on and hammering implants with no rupture).
Second, the FDA has done extensive research on silicone and there has been no documentation of adverse effects. This is good as the average human is exposed to silicone everyday. You can find silicone in medicine, food (via food processing), cleaning products, antiperspirants and hair/skin products.
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How Will Breastfeeding Affect My Implants?
Breastfeeding won’t affect the implants themselves but it can change the size and shape of your breasts. It’s very common for breasts to grow bigger or feel more sensitive during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The areola and nipple area may also grow bigger or change color, which is normal. Moisturize your breasts to minimize itching and prevent stretch marks
If you decide you don’t want to breast-feed any more, wean slowly to avoid engorgement. As you feed less, the hormones that stimulate milk production and milk letdown go down. This will cause your breasts to gradually decrease in size.
Best Plastic Surgeon In Dubai For Breast Implants
Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai for Breast Implants is available at the Perfect Doctors Clinic where Dr. Perfect Celebrity a good plastic surgeon will understand the complex anatomy of the breast and will be able to employ surgical techniques that are designed to preserve milk ducts, glandular tissue and nerve function where possible. When planning breast augmentation surgery, a personalized approach is the key, since each patient is different in their anatomy and goals. During your consultation, a qualified surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your future pregnancy plans, your intentions to breastfeed and your aesthetic goals. They will explain how the implant placement, the size of the implant, and the location of the incision can affect breast function after surgery. Careful selection of incisions and placement of the implants submuscularly are important to minimize the risk of interference with structures necessary for breastfeeding. While no surgeon can guarantee that breastfeeding will be successful, careful surgical planning can help increase the odds of preserving normal breast function. Dr. Perfect Celebrity will educate and inform the patient about the safety and long term satisfaction of the procedure helping them to make an informed decision on their treatment options. They will also give realistic guidance on what to expect in future pregnancies and breastfeeding experiences. Women can pursue breast augmentation with the expertise of a highly skilled plastic surgeon and know the factors that may affect breastfeeding. The right specialist combines technical precision with personalized care to provide natural-looking results while preserving important breast structures whenever possible so patients can balance cosmetic goals with future family plans.