It’s understandable for some patients, especially those who are considering having children, to have concerns about breastfeeding after breast augmentation. While many patients are typically able to breastfeed without encountering any issues, there are some cases where milk supply may be affected.
The ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation can depend on several factors, including where the implants were placed, the type of incision used during surgery, and whether there was any disruption to the milk ducts or nerves in the breast. However, apart from these factors, the ability to breastfeed can also come down to natural factors – despite whether an individual has had a breast procedure or not.
In this blog, we’ll go deeper into how a breast augmentation with implants may affect breastfeeding and what to expect after the procedure. When you’re ready to have a consultation to discuss your breast augmentation options, your surgeon will be able to assess your anatomy, discuss the results you want to achieve and discuss how the procedure can be planned to prevent causing breastfeeding complications.
Why the placement of breast implants matter
During a breast augmentation, breast implants can be placed either above the chest muscle (subglandular) or beneath it (submuscular).
Subglandular placement means that the implants sit directly behind the breast tissue, which can sometimes put pressure on the milk ducts. This may lead to a slightly increased risk of issues with milk supply, particularly if the implant placement has caused any compression of the glandular tissue.
With submuscular placement, the implant is positioned beneath the chest muscle rather than directly under the breast tissue. This placement generally has less impact on the milk-producing structures and is less likely to interfere with breastfeeding. However, the overall effect of implant placement on breastfeeding ability will vary from person to person, depending on their individual anatomy and how their body responds to surgery.
How the type of incision can affect breastfeeding
Another factor that can influence breastfeeding after breast augmentation is where the incision was made during surgery. The most common incision locations are under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary).
The inframammary and transaxillary incisions generally have little impact on the milk ducts and nerves involved in breastfeeding, since they avoid direct disruption to these structures.
However, the periareolar incision has a higher chance of affecting breastfeeding. This is because it is made around the edge of the areola, where milk ducts and nerves involved in milk production are located.
If these structures are disrupted, there could be a reduction in milk supply, or some possible difficulty with the reflex that allows milk to pass through. This doesn’t mean that breastfeeding is impossible with a periareolar incision, but it does mean that there may be a higher chance of encountering some challenges compared to other incision types.
When your surgeon is planning your procedure, they will choose the type of incision that will be used based on your individual anatomy and the results you want to achieve. However, if the ability to breastfeed is a particular concern for you, letting your surgeon know during your consultation will help them plan the procedure in a way that aims to preserve breastfeeding ability.
How nerve function affects milk supply
Nerve function is an important part of breastfeeding, as the nerves in the breast send signals to release hormones that stimulate milk production.
One of the main nerves involved in breastfeeding is the fourth intercostal nerve, which runs to the nipple and areola. If this nerve is affected during surgery, it could impact sensation in the nipple and the body’s ability to trigger milk release.
Some breast augmentation patients may notice temporary changes in nipple sensitivity, which will normally fade over time as nerve function gradually returns. However, if the sensation in the nipple is significantly reduced or does not return, this could make it harder to stimulate the let-down reflex when breastfeeding. The good news is that, even if this does occur, many patients with breast implants can still produce enough milk, even ifthe nerve sensation has changed to some extent.
What to expect when breastfeeding after breast augmentation
When it comes to breastfeeding after breast augmentation, many patients find that they can breastfeed without any difficulty, while others may notice a lower milk supply than expected.
It’s also possible for one breast to produce more milk than the other, depending on whether the surgery affected the milk-producing structures unevenly. In situations where milk supply is lower, alternatives to breastfeeding (such as supplementation with formula or donor milk) may be needed. While surgery may sometimes interfere with breastfeeding ability, some women may naturally be unable to breastfeed, which can still require them to seek these alternative options.
If you need advice, we recommend speaking to your specialist or a lactation consultant to discuss breastfeeding techniques and what may be the most effective option.
Discuss Breastfeeding After a Breast Augmentation with Melbourne-Based Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Craig Rubinstein
If you’re considering having a breast augmentation and want to keep your breastfeeding options open, discussing your surgical options with an experienced plastic surgeon can help. Choosing an incision location that avoids the milk ducts and nerves, as well as considering implant placement carefully, can make a difference in the likelihood of being able to breastfeed in the future.
Specialising in breast and and abdominoplasty procedures, Dr Rubinstein has extensive knowledge in breast augmentation procedures and how to plan surgery to consider each patient’s needs. He has over 25 years of experience and the skill level required to provide high quality care.
During a consultation in Melbourne, you can discuss the results you want to achieve and learn about your options in more detail. If breastfeeding is important, you’ll be able to discuss how your procedure can be planned to minimise the effect on the breastfeeding structures as much as possible.
To arrange your consultation for a breast augmentation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein, please get in touch with our team.