Can You Breastfeed After Getting Breast Implants?

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales can improve your confidence with breast augmentation. This procedure can reshape breasts that have lost volume due to weight loss or pregnancy. It can also make the breasts more symmetrical and proportionate with your body. But if you are planning on having more children, you may wonder if breastfeeding is safe for your baby.

So is nursing possible after breast augmentation, and does breastfeeding ruin breast implants? At Morales Plastic Surgery, our team can provide an assessment and give you resources so you can understand how implants impact your ability to nurse. If you are concerned about the recent spread of the coronavirus, our office is offering online consultations to patients in the Houston, TX, area. Schedule a digital appointment with Dr. Morales today.

About breast implant surgery

Almost everyone who wants to improve their breasts is a good candidate for breast implant surgery. Regardless of your cosmetic goals, it is important to have realistic expectations about what we can accomplish. For example, patients who choose very large implants may experience neck and back pain in the future. During a virtual consultation, Dr. Morales will explain the procedure and give you recommendations about breast implant sizes and types. We may choose saline or silicone implants in either a round or teardrop shape.

Breast implant surgery in Houston, TX takes about an hour to complete while the patient is under general anesthesia. Incisions can be placed under the breast, around the areola, or in the underarm. Dr. Morales always creates thin incisions in areas that are easily covered by underwear or swimsuits. Immediately following the procedure, patients may be placed in a surgical bra to support the new tissue and help with side effects, like swelling.

Breast implant healing and recovery

The recovery period for breast surgery is usually short. Breast implant healing may cause the skin to become a little tight as the tissue adjusts to the new breast size. Dr. Morales can prescribe medications to help with other side effects, such as swelling, bruising, or discomfort. Although the recovery period looks different for everyone, the standard recovery time is about one week. However, patients cannot return to their normal exercise routines for at least two months. Morales Plastic Surgery can schedule follow-up appointments to make sure the breast tissue is healing as expected.

Breastfeeding with breast implants

It is important to remember that having trouble nursing is a common issue many individuals face, whether they have implants or not. Since breast implants are designed to imitate the look and feel of real breast tissue, they should not affect the ability to breastfeed or use a breast pump. The silicone material used in implants is also completely safe for both mother and baby.

If you still struggle with breastfeeding with breast implants, we recommend working with a board-certified physician or lactation consultant who can provide an examination and offer sound medical advice. We understand that every pregnancy is different, which is why consulting with an expert can relieve any fears and make sure you are nursing in a safe and effective way.

Does breastfeeding ruin breast implants?

When you get pregnant, your body creates a flood of hormones. Those hormones stimulate the milk ducts, and the breasts will grow to accommodate the incoming milk. This means that pregnancy and nursing may stretch out the skin and breast tissue a little more than normal. After nursing has been completed, the breasts should contract back to their original position.

So, does breastfeeding ruin breast implants? Although breast implants are not meant to be lifetime devices, they are designed to withstand the normal wear and tear of everyday life. If you experience unusual discomfort or have concerns about your breast tissue, do not hesitate to reach out to Morales Plastic Surgery for a virtual consultation. We can perform an assessment and provide steps for safely moving forward.

Learn more about breastfeeding with implants

If you don’t have the bustline you desire, breast implant surgery can enhance the size and shape of your breasts. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales can discuss all of the considerations that go into breast augmentation and guide you through the decision-making process. If you would like to learn more about breastfeeding with breast implants, contact the staff at Morales Plastic Surgery. We can help you schedule an online consultation in Houston, TX. Our clinic will also remain open to provide support to current patients who are in need of follow-up care.