Can you breastfeed with implants? When should I have a breast augmentation? Can I have kids after breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a procedure that is considered by women from many different walks of life, but can you breastfeed with implants? Dr. Richardson from Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery has seen a vast array of patients. They range from 18 to 80, and all have their own unique journey to reaching their aesthetic goals. The decision to undergo breast augmentation is significant, and many patients that call our Brisbane plastic surgery clinic or come to our practice for a consultation with Dr. Richardson ponder ‘when is the right time?’.

One prominent factor women include in their decision making is their plans for motherhood. Some women are planning their family. Others already have children and plan to continue growing their family. Others have had children and completed their family. In any case, it can be confusing to consider where a breast augmentation may fit into your timeline and lifestyle. This blog post aims to provide some insight into the various pros and cons of breast augmentation throughout the particular phases of family planning. We pay particular attention to the topic of breastfeeding with breast implants.

Why breast augmentation?

The motivation to undergo a breast augmentation is unique to each patient. For some patients, breast augmentation is a procedure they have considered since a teenager due to dissatisfaction with the development of their breasts throughout puberty. For others, having children may actually be the catalyst for wanting a breast augmentation. On one hand, the engorged breasts that are resultant of pregnancy and breast feeding can introduce women to the look and feel of larger breasts and many women feel more womanly during this time, creating the desire for larger breasts in the long-term.

On the other hand, it may be the undesirable changes in the breasts after breast feeding such as volume loss and sagging that might influence a woman to consider the procedure. Deciding when to undergo the procedure can be a source of stress for many women. So when should a woman have a breast augmentation? How much does timing matter within the context of family planning? 

Can you breastfeed with implants?

Breast augmentation and breast feeding is a significant topic of concern for many women who come in for a consultation with Dr. Richardson. Breast feeding with breast implants is safe and there have been no studies that indicate any adverse effects of breast implants on the babies that have been breastfed by women with implants. Thomas Hale (breastfeeding expert) explains that silicone is chemically inactive and as such it is unlikely to be absorbed or affect breast milk. There have been a number of studies investigating the effect of breast augmentation surgery on ability to breast feed.

Some studies have found that breast implants inserted via areola incision can damage nerves that are critical to nipple sensitivity and breast feeding, however Dr. Richardson will not perform a breast augmentation using this method. Rather, incision via the inframammary fold is Dr. Richardson’s preferred technique and this significantly reduces the risk of gland and nerve damage.

Studies suggest that when a breast implant is placed over the muscle (between the glandular tissue and muscle layer) it is said to be more likely to exert pressure on the ducts and glands which may interfere with milk flow and reduce milk production. For the vast majority of patients, Dr. Richardson will recommend sub-muscular implantation (under the muscle) as this has a number of aesthetic and longevity benefits, and is also said to have less impact on milk production. 

Nipple sensitivity

There is a key risk inherent in breast augmentation: nipple sensitivity. Nipple sensitivity may compromise the latching process. The good news? There is increasing likelihood over time of any damaged nerves, glands, or ducts, reconnecting and repairing themselves. One study stated that milk supply continues to improve over time following surgery, with the optimal time frame being 5+ years. 

The current research states that there is no concrete evidence suggesting that breast implants impact ability to breastfeed. This is particularly true when inframmamary incisions and sub muscular placement are used. If a woman is naturally able to breastfeed without implants, they should have little to no issues breastfeeding with implants. 

Will breast feeding and pregnancy ruin my breast augmentation results?

As many women would be aware, breast feeding and pregnancy cause significant changes in the size, shape, and skin of the breast. Often during this time, hormones and milk supply will cause the breasts to become engorged. After birth and breast feeding (if you choose to breast feed) the breasts will experience volume loss. Depending on skin quality, level of volume loss, and personal preferences, this may result in breast sagging. Breast sagging may be an undesirable aesthetic for some. These exact same principles apply to women with breast implants.

Regardless of whether a patient has had previous breast surgery, the breasts can still change significantly. Patients with implants may decide they require a breast lift after pregnancy and breast feeding. They may also need an implant replacement. For this reason, Dr. Richardson advises anyone planning to have children in the next two years to wait. Waiting until after kids to have surgery is recommended for these individuals. This is because there is a high chance that you will want a re-operation after children. This creates additional risk due to another operation, as well as financial burden. In these cases, we recommend waiting until after kids.

How long after breastfeeding can I have a breast augmentation?

Patients should always wait until they have finished producing breast milk before coming in for a consultation as there will still be significant changes in breast volume and shape while weaning off breast feeding. Similarly, patients should aim to be close to their goal weight before surgery. This is to prevent further changes in the breasts and ensure longevity of results. We would recommend waiting 2-3 months after childbirth and/or breastfeeding to organise consultation and surgery with Dr. Richardson. 

Having kids after breast augmentation – should I wait to have surgery? 

There really is no straightforward answer to this question, as it all depends on context and personal preference. If you aren’t planning to have children for a few years, you may choose to have surgery now. This means you can make the most of your results while you are younger. The integrity of your skin and aesthetic outcomes are optimal during this time. You will have no issues having kids after breast augmentation.

If you plan on having children in the near future, you may want to prioritise the longevity of your results. Pregnancy and breast feeding can cause significant changes in the shape and size of your breasts. As such, waiting until after kids can ensure you have the right procedure suited to your longer-term anatomy. This said, you may experience greater longevity of results if you are a woman who chooses not to breastfeed. If you plan on having more children in the future =m you should consider your experience with past pregnancies. In particular, consider the changes in your breasts during this time. This should help you gauge whether you should wait until after children. You will have a better understanding of the extent to which your breasts fluctuate. 

If you have any questions about the right time to have surgery, feel free to contact us to make an appointment with Dr. Richardson