Does Breast Augmentation Affect Breastfeeding?

Many women have questions about breastfeeding when considering breast augmentation, whether they intend to breastfeed in the near future or just want to keep the possibility open. 

Surgical Considerations

The breasts, especially in the areola and nipple area, contain many nerves, blood vessels, and milk ducts. Surgical procedures that avoid incisions near the areola will protect these delicate areas. However, even an augmentation with a breast lift that repositions the areola can still preserve all the nerves and milk ducts if performed correctly. 

Since surgeons normally place the implant either behind the glandular tissue or behind the muscle, the implant should not affect the breast tissue above it. With proper surgical technique and an experienced breast surgeon like Dr. Lawton, most women will have minimal impact on their ability to breastfeed. 

Baby Health and Safety

Some women have concerns about whether the presence of implants, especially silicone implants, could harm their breastfeeding baby. Fortunately, there is no evidence that breastfeeding infants experience any harm from silicone in implants, even after decades of use. Today’s implants are safer than ever before, and their presence will not harm your baby.  

Future Pregnancies

While breast augmentation may not interfere with your ability to breastfeed, pregnancy and breastfeeding may interfere with your augmentation. Your results may change considerably when your breasts change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some women choose to put off an augmentation until after they have had children. Fortunately, a revision or lift can often correct the changes and restore your pre-pregnancy breasts.