Breast augmentation and other types of plastic surgery are ever growing in popularity. Breast augmentation in order to grow the breast size is achieved by placing one of two types of implants, either saline-filled or silicon-gel-filled, within the existing breast tissue. As fashionable as they are, however, they may affect breastfeeding. The FDA warns, "Breast implants may affect your ability to breast feed, either by reducing or eliminating milk production."
Cause of Complications
Contrary to popular belief, the reason why breast implants may affect breastfeeding has little to do with the implant itself. The reason why a woman may be rendered unable to breastfeed after implants has to do with the damage that the surgical procedure will have on the breasts.
The extent of damage is primarily based on where the incisions will be made during the procedure and where the implant is located. According to BabyCenter.com, if the incisions are made under the fold of the breast and up through the armpit, the mother should still be able to breastfeed. However, when the incision lies on the breast, particularly through or on the areola, more risk is involved because nerve damage can occur. The nerves are absolutely necessary in milk production because they trigger the brain to produce needed chemicals, prolactin and oxytocin, which are what jump starts the production of milk.
In addition to nerve damage, cutting through the breast can damage the milk ducts (which is responsible for the flow of breast milk) and milk glands (which is responsible for the creation of breast milk). One way a surgeon could avoid this damage is by placing the implant underneath the chest muscle, rather than between the tissue and the muscle.
Risks
If you are able to breastfeed with implants, the risks are minimal, but this depends on the type of implant you opt for. If you decide on saline implants, the consensus among doctors is that any saline leakage that may occur is generally harmless for the baby. However, the effects of silicone on an infant are currently unknown.
Likelihood of Complications
According to Dr. Stephen Greenburg, plastic surgeon and author of "A Little Nip, a Little Tuck," the likelihood of losing the ability to breastfeed after receiving implants is a small one. In an interview with ABC, Dr. Greenburg said, "Women with breast implants don't understand and think that they won't be able to breastfeed and are surprised when they realize they can." Greenburg says an "overwhelming majority" of women with breast implants can breastfeed.
If complications do occur, you can consult a lactation consultant who might be able to help you breastfeed some and can monitor your baby to make sure she is getting enough breast milk.
Avoiding Complications
Talk to your surgeon. If you are planning on getting breast implants but are worried about affecting breastfeeding in the future, the surgeon can attempt to minimize tissue damage.
Tags: breast implants, able breastfeed, breast milk, affect breastfeeding, Breast augmentation
