Key points:
- Breast augmentation does not affect breast milk production.
- Breast reduction can cause tension and reduce the amount of milk produced, but it does not prevent breastfeeding.
- Most women with implants can breastfeed safely for themselves and their babies.
Breast augmentation surgery with implants is one of the most common surgeries in the world, says Dra. Andrea Carrillo Romero, plastic and reconstructive surgery specialist at ABC Medical Center. However, this surgery raises various doubts in women regarding breastfeeding.
“Who actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for young and older infants and is working to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to at least 50% by 2025”1
Do breast implants affect breastfeeding?
Generally, women’s ability to breastfeed will not be affected by their breast implants, since neither the amount of milk generated nor the anatomy is altered.
Other recurring doubts in women focus on the safety and health of the mother and the child.
The implants do not wear out during this stage of life, but changes can occur in the breast due to the effects of hormones, such as increasing or decreasing its volume, sagging skin, asymmetry, and even changes in the shape of the breast; this does not affect the breastfeeding process.
On the other hand, if the implant is broken, some tests measure a silicone substance in the blood and breast milk, resulting in no difference between women who do not have implants.
In some cases, the incisions made when placing the implants can affect breastfeeding, says Dr. Carrillo The incision around the areola can cut mammary gland ducts, although this situation can be solved with the ducts that were left intact, which will compensate for the loss.
The incision made in the breast fold, which is the fold under the breast, could affect the sensitivity and contraction of the nipple, but it does not prevent breastfeeding. Incisions made through the armpit or the navel have no repercussions in breastfeeding.
Does breast reduction affect breastfeeding?
Another plastic surgery that raises doubts in women is breast reduction, where no type of implant is necessary, but part of the breast is removed.
This procedure can affect the amount of glandular tissue that the woman has, causing pain when breastfeeding or a decrease in the amount of milk.
To improve this situation, you can use localized heat or even some medications, depending on your doctor’s instructions.
Dr. Carrillo says that the most important thing, regardless of whether enlarging or reducing the breast, is to consult a certified plastic surgeon. This way, when the time comes to breastfeed your baby, everything will be in order.
Specialists can give you personalized attention at the ABC Medical Center’s Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Center. Contact us!
Fuente:
Dra. Andrea Carrillo Romero – Specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery at ABC Medical Center
https://youtu.be/1TirhTuqEDg
1 https://www.who.int/es/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_3
