How Will a Breast Augmentation Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?

Breast Augmentation Connecticut

Many Houston women in their childbearing years come to Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig with an interest in breast augmentation surgery. Some of these women may not yet have any children, but plan to in the future; other women may be in the middle of having the family size they desire. Whatever their unique case, a common question that Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig get in their Houston office is, “Will breast augmentation surgery affect my ability to breastfeed in the future?” The answer is, it depends. Read on to find out why.

Breast Implants Are SAFE for breastfeeding.

If you are considering a Houston breast augmentation procedure and are planning to breastfeed in the future, the number one thing to keep in mind is that both silicone and saline implants are safe for breastfeeding. The simple act of getting implants will not prevent your ability to produce breast milk. However, your incision type and location of your implant might.

Not All Breast Augmentation Incisions Are Ideal for Future Breastfeeding Mothers.

When you consult with Houston doctors Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig about your breast augmentation surgery, you will discuss which incision type they will use for the procedure. As a Houston breast augmentation patient, you have the following incision types available to you:

  • A transaxillary incision, in which the breast implants are inserted through an incision in your armpits;
  • An inframammary incision, in which the breast implants are inserted through an incision in your breast crease which is hidden by your breasts or bikini or bra line;
  • A transumbilical incision, in which a deflated breast implant is inserted through an incision in your belly button, placed in the implant pocket and then inflated; and
  • A subareolar incision or periareolar incision, in which the implant is inserted through an incision in your areola, where the change in skin tone from your areola and breast helps disguise your scar.

Both the subareolar and periareolar incisions, which are popular due to their ability to hide a scar naturally, have the potential to damage milk ducts and make it difficult for a woman to breastfeed in the future.

The Location of Your Implant Pocket Can Affect Breast Milk Production and Flow.

If you’re having a Houston breast augmentation, your breast implants can be placed above or below the chest muscles. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, it’s best to have your breast implants placed below the chest muscle. This is because implants that are placed directly under the glandular tissue can potentially cause pressure on milk ducts and affect milk production and milk flow.

Reach Out to Us If You Have More Questions.

If you’re considering breast augmentation but plan to breastfeed in the future, reach out to Dr. Fusi and Dr. Craig at (713) 346-9909 to schedule a full consultation and examination. During your initial consultation, Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig will explain the breast augmentation procedure to you, your incision type options and the pros and cons of each one, and answer any other questions that you might have about future breastfeeding.