Can I Breastfeed After Having Cosmetic Breast Surgery?
For many women, the decision to enhance or modify their breast appearance comes with a host of questions and concerns, especially if they are planning to become mother in the future. One of the most commonly asked questions is: "Can I breastfeed after having cosmetic breast surgery?"
In this article, we will share some suggestions and facts to explain and eliminate the doubts that are clouding your thoughts.
About Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Breast Implant/breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, and Breast Lift, all fall under the umbrella term Cosmetic Breast Surgery. Each of these surgeries can impact breastfeeding in different ways, depending on the specifics of the procedure and the individual's anatomy.
Let us give you a brief ideation about these cosmetic treatments—
a). Breast Augmentation/Implant
Breast augmentation involves placing implants made of silicon and saline to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. One can do this procedure using different types of implants and surgical techniques. The placement of the implants and the incisions made during surgery are crucial factors that may or may not influence breastfeeding (depends on the expertise of your cosmetic surgeon).
b). Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to your body. This procedure can relieve physical discomfort and improve self-image. However, it can also affect the milk ducts and nerves, which play a vital role in breastfeeding.
c). Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin, restoring elastic recoil, and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure can improve your breast's appearance without changing its size significantly. The impact on breastfeeding also depends largely on the extent of the surgery and the technique used.
What Is The Impact Of Breast Augmentation On Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is safe and viable with breast implants in place, and neither the volume nor quality of breast milk is altered. There is no need to worry about the ability to be fertile and breastfeed healthily as there is no evidence to suggest that silicone is transferred from the implants to breast milk, or that implanted breasts are harmful to newborn babies.
The silicone breast implant is placed behind the milk gland or under the chest muscle; hence the milk supply channel remains unharmed/affected. Generally, an expert cosmetic breast augmentation surgeon will make the incision either in the crease line below the breasts or around the armpit, which causes little to no disruption to the nipples.
This is why if you’re planning to have a breast implant while hoping to keep the future breastfeeding option on, what you must be concerned about is the effectiveness of the surgery: the aftermath!
During pregnancy, your body will undergo waves of hormonal changes. You are more likely to put on weight and that can alter the results of your breast augmentation.
Will Breast Lift Surgery Affect Breastfeeding?
In cosmetic breast surgery like breast lifts, surgeons mainly reposition the breast tissues and lift the nipple at a higher place than earlier. The procedure does not involve any prosthetics to the glands that are responsible for producing milk. Therefore, it generally doesn’t affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed in the future.
What Is The Ideal Time To Have Cosmetic Breast Surgery After Pregnancy?
Experts advise, to wait till the milk duct dries. As any cosmetic treatment to the breast area involves regrafting vital tissues and damaged skin, it is safe to undergo such prosthetic treatments after 6 to 8 weeks of breastfeeding.
Also, it is more effective to have a breast lift or a reduction after a year of pregnancy as the desired outcome will be more predictable during this time (your body will steadily get back to normal harmonizing of hormones by the period).
Hope And Realism
Breastfeeding after cosmetic breast surgery is possible, but it can come with unique challenges. The outcome depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, the surgical technique, and an individual's healing pace/capacity. By planning ahead, seeking professional support, and staying informed, many women can cherish and enjoy successful motherhood even after having cosmetic breast surgery.
In most cases, the ability to breastfeed is preserved by all means. However, every human body is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. So, if you plan to have children in the future and wish to experience every beauty of motherhood, Dr. V.S. Rathore and his team will evaluate and discuss every viable option during your initial consultation. He can also help you with any post-baby treatment plan if need be.
