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Will I be Able to Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?

By: Dr. Rolando Morales

1/9/2023

Are you considering breast augmentation but have concerns about how the surgery may impact your future ability to breastfeed? If so, you’re not alone. Many women, whether they have not yet become mothers or are planning to have additional children in the future, wonder if they’ll still be able to nurse their babies with breast implants. The answer will vary from patient to patient, but the good news is that many women with breast implants are able to successfully go on to breastfeed their children. At Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales works closely with patients to plan a customized breast augmentation plan that will give them the greatest chance of preserving their ability to breastfeed, if that is what they desire. Find answers to many of the most common questions about breastfeeding with implants below.

Is it possible to breastfeed with implants?

In many cases, breastfeeding with implants is possible, but there are certain factors that may impact a woman’s ability to nurse after breast augmentation, such as:

  • Implant placement: Breast implants placed beneath the muscle (vs. above the muscle) typically cause fewer complications for breastfeeding mothers.
  • Incision placement: When breast implants are inserted through an inframammary crease or transaxillary (armpit) incision, women typically have a greater chance of successfully breastfeeding. A periareolar incision, which is placed around the nipple, can damage nerves, ducts, and other structures that are critical for breastfeeding.
  • Implant size: Very large implants may pose problems with latching and/or the production of an adequate milk supply.

If you plan to potentially breastfeed at some point in the future, be sure to discuss your goals with Dr. Morales so he can tailor your surgical plan accordingly. While there is no guarantee that breastfeeding will be possible for any woman – whether she has implants or not – many women do successfully breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery.

Is breastfeeding with implants safe?

When you’re carrying or nursing a baby, you may be even more careful than usual about what goes into your body. Fortunately, breastfeeding with implants is considered safe for both mother and baby, with studies showing no evidence of a health risk posed by silicone breast implants.

Will breast implants affect my milk supply?

Even with successful latching and nursing, some women with breast implants do report that their milk supply is lower than expected. While this may be due to their breast implants, many women without breast implants have naturally low milk supplies. For women who want to continue breastfeeding their baby but have an inadequate milk supply (whether due to implants or not), donor breastmilk and/or formula offers the option for supplementation. By supplementing a low breast milk supply, mothers can ensure their babies are receiving appropriate nourishment while still enjoying the experience of breastfeeding.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a breast augmentation in Houston, TX

Becoming a mother shouldn’t mean giving up the body of your dreams, nor should having your ideal physique impact your ability to experience all that motherhood has to offer. With an experienced surgeon and a strategic plan, breastfeeding is often possible – and successful – following breast augmentation surgery. To learn more about your options for breastfeeding with implants, call Morales Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of Houston’s premier board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Rolando Morales, today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.