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Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation Surgery

For decades breast augmentation has been one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in America. In fact, breast augmentation has maintained the top spot among plastic surgeries for the past several years, with 299,715 performed in 2019. This number would likely be higher but for the fact that many women remain concerned about the potential impacts that surgery or the implants themselves may have on breastfeeding.

The surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery in Southwest Florida know that such concerns are not completely unfounded. All surgeries entail at least some element of risk and there is the possibility that nerve and glandular tissues could be damaged due to complications during the procedure. However, research suggests that the percentage of women who experience lactation problems related to breast augmentation is relatively low.

Implant Placement May Play Role in Breastfeeding Complications

A recent study of 3,500 women who had undergone breast augmentation determined that most were able to breastfeed their babies without complications and at rates similar to breastfeeding women who had not had the surgery. These results were in line with a previous study out of Argentina that found that 93 percent of women who had undergone breast augmentation prior to childbirth were breastfeeding. This was five percentage points lower than the  99 percent who were breastfeeding absent prior to augmentation surgery.

Research suggests that implant placement may play a role in subsequent breastfeeding complications. Implants located beneath the chest muscles—“retromuscular”—are less likely to damage milk production-related nerves and glands than “retroglandular” implants placed between the chest muscles and breast tissue. While the previously mentioned study of 3,500 women found a slightly increased risk of insufficient milk production in women with retroglandular implants. Your surgeon will address the comparative benefits of implant placement options during your consultation and will help you come to the decision best suited to achieving your aesthetic goals.

Implants Themselves Not identified as Complicating Factor    

Saline and silicone implants themselves, it should be noted, do not seem to have any impact on lactation. Perhaps more importantly, research has determined that there is no increase in silicone levels in the breastmilk from women with silicone implants. One study even found that there was more silicone in cow’s milk and commercial infant formulas than there was from breast milk from women with the implants.        

Other Considerations

While most women who undergo breast augmentation can successfully breastfeed their infants, there are some other factors to consider:

  • If augmentation requires incisions across the nipples and/or areolas, nerves and milk ducts are much likely to be damaged and compromise milk production. That said, such procedures are usually avoided unless they represent the only augmentation alternative.  
  • Augmentation conducted to remediate undeveloped breast tissue may indicate underdevelopment of milk-producing glands, which could be the actual cause of insufficient milk production.
  • The absence of sensation or limited feeling in the nipples following recent augmentation does not necessarily mean that your ability to produce milk is affected. If the lack of sensation persists for an extended time, consult with your cosmetic surgeon.
  • Augmentation surgery conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon represents the best means of ensuring that your subsequent ability to produce milk will not be compromised.

Consult with Naples Plastic Surgery to Learn More

Our plastic surgeons have extensive expertise and experience conducting trouble-free breast augmentation surgeries. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation and your future ability to produce milk following the procedure, they would be happy to consult with you at their Naples office location. You can reach them by contacting Naples Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611.

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At Naples Plastic Surgery, our cosmetic services are designed to contour and enhance your body to help you achieve the body image that you desire. Known for offering among the best facial plastic surgery in Naples, our board-certified surgeons are known as much for their artistry as they are for their surgical skills. We understand that your image is the key to feeling great, so we will provide you with the most reliable advice and services to help make you look and feel your best.

The surgical team at Naples Plastic Surgery has the training and experience necessary to help you pursue your own individual cosmetic goals down to the very last detail, all in a warm, comfortable, and private environment.

Dr. Paul Gardner, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Southwest Florida. As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Naples, FL, Dr. Gardner has more than 25 years of experience performing facial procedures including composite facelift, mini facelift, brow lift and skin cancer removal procedures. He also possesses expertise in breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and labiaplasty.

Dr. Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD received extensive training at the prestigious Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where he worked with some of the most well-renowned practitioners in the art of cosmetic surgery. With honors and awards throughout medical school and his residency, Dr. Baccaro earned a stellar reputation for high quality surgical care with both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

Dr. Mark Walsh, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Southwest Florida. Dr. Walsh participated in the prestigious plastic surgery training program at Duke University. He has also served as an invited reviewer and has provided expert commentaries for multiple surgical journals, including the highly regarded Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Dr. Andrew M. Bonett, MD specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, with specific interests in reconstruction after breast and skin cancers, including Mohs reconstruction. His experience also includes reconstruction following traumatic injuries, body contouring, and general cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.

The plastic surgery process at Naples Plastic Surgery begins with a one-on-one, confidential consultation in which your surgeon conducts an examination to determine which procedures are likely to produce the most robust aesthetic improvements. This includes a comprehensive discussion with you to identify the benefits, risks and costs associated with each procedure. It may be possible to combine a number of surgical procedures into a single surgery if you desire and if your medical condition permits it.

As with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that a desired outcome will be achieved. There are a number of health risks associated with even minor medical procedures. If you have any health issues or concerns, please feel free to discuss them any time with your surgeon at our Naples’ plastic surgery center.
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Plastic Surgeons | Paul M. Gardner, MD, FACS | Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD | Mark Walsh, MD, F.A.C.S. | Andrew Bonett, MD

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