Can you breastfeed following a breast implant? Generally, yes, but there are some considerations. You can breastfeed even after breast augmentation, but you need to consult your lactation consultant and surgeon. Breast milk has a lot of nutrients that babies need. While some mothers may need to supplement their breastmilk with formula, it is not necessary. Some women may feel anxious following breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation using fat transfer
Your ability to breastfeed will not be affected by the location of your incisions after breast augmentation. In general, these incisions are about three millimeters in length and are placed in the inframammary fold, just beneath the nipple. Because these incisions are not close to the nipple, they don't affect the nipple sensation or letdown reflex.
Fat that has been harvested during a previous procedure may act as a permanent graft or 'filler.' Although fat cells used in fat transfer procedures are permanently attached to breasts, the majority of them will eventually be absorbed. This can result in uneven results if not properly distributed. The fat is also taken out under low pressure to prevent excessive damage to the fat cells.
Breast implants
The lack of studies on the relationship between breast implants and the ability to breastfeed may be a contributing factor to this concern. Western culture considers the breast to be a sexual organ. Advertisements often suggest that formula and breastmilk are equally good. Research is still needed to understand the psychosocial and physical causes of decreased breast-feeding capacity. Nonetheless, the research findings point to an important balance between health risks and benefits.
However, most breast augmentations are done using the same method of incision. Some surgeons may use different methods. For example, breast augmentation involving fat transfer requires an incision approximately three millimeters. Inframammary fold is where the incisions are usually made. The incision is not required to be placed next to the nipple. It does not interfere with the letdown reflex or sensation.
Incisions around the areola
Periareolar incisions are made around the breasts after a breast augmentation. They are located at the outer edge and border of the areola. Because they are so close, these incisions make it ideal for breast augmentation with implants. They also keep the surgeon away from the nerves running through and around the areola. If you breastfeed, this can make it difficult for the surgeon to cut the nerves. This type of incision can be made by plastic surgeons if they have the right plan.
Hidden in plain sight are often the incisions around your areola. The transition from darkened skin to lighter skin is gradual. The incision will remain visible for a few more months. However, it will eventually fade. Patients will not lose the sensation in their nipples or experience pain after the procedure. A breast lift is just as easy to recover from as a breast augmentation.
Breastfeeding after breast augmentation
Breast augmentation can cause some confusion when it comes to breastfeeding. Breast augmentation is not uncommon. However, women with breast augmentation may have a lower or higher success rate breastfeeding. Cruz and Korchin compared breastfeeding success rates for both those who tried and those who did not try to breastfeed in a recent study. The rates of breast-augmentation surgery were comparable at two weeks. The incision type did not matter. The three studies showed that women who had breast augmentation had a lower likelihood of exclusively breastfeeding.
Your ability to breastfeed after breast-augmentation depends on the timing of your operation. Most people can complete basic recovery in a few short weeks. However it is possible for small nerves or blood vessels to connect more slowly. Your body should heal completely from surgery before you can breastfeed. Also, it is important to allow at least a few years for breast augmentation and pregnancy. This will allow your body the time it needs to recover from breast augmentation and minimize the possibility of complications in milk supply.