Can I Breastfeed with Breast Implants?

If you are considering having breast implants placed — or have already had them placed —and still want to breastfeed your children in the future, rest assured. Experts agree that the majority of women with breast implants can breastfeed normally. However, if you have not yet had them placed, it’s important to discuss your plans with your plastic surgeon. He or she should be aware of your intentions to breastfeed in the future so that he can prepare a surgical treatment plan designed around your goals.  Dr. Greenwald will not perform surgery on a woman who is currently breastfeeding.

The breast implant placement and surgical incision are important factors in your breast augmentation treatment plan. Incisions around the areola should generally be avoided, as they may increase the risk of having breastfeeding problems. The milk ducts connect to the nipple, and it’s possible to sever the milk ducts or important nerves in that area. If you plan to breastfeed after having your implants placed, Dr. Greenwald may make the surgical incisions under the crease of the breast or in the armpit.

Some mothers worry that their implants will rupture and their child may be at risk of ingesting silicone while breastfeeding. However, experts say this should not be a concern, as today’s saline and silicone implants are very safe and strong.

Something to keep in mind about the timing of your breast augmentation surgery is the breast tissue and skin elasticity will likely change in some capacity after pregnancy and nursing. Women may be better off waiting until they are finished having children and nursing to schedule their breast augmentation surgery. In many cases, these women choose to combine breast augmentation with breast lift surgery, improving both the fullness and position of the breasts. New York breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Greenwald can explain the benefits of these surgeries in greater detail during a consultation.

Contact Dr. Greenwald today at (914) 421-0113 to schedule an appointment during which you can discuss breast implants and breastfeeding.

In addition to breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Greenwald also offers breast lift, breast reconstruction and breast reduction in New York.

Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.