Can I Still Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?

Many women who consider breast augmentation worry that placement of implants could impair their ability to breastfeed. With each breast augmentation patient, our plastic surgeons find it important to discuss the possibility of future pregnancies during the consultation process. If a woman is planning on having children after breast surgery or simply wants to maintain her ability to breastfeed, there are certain incision techniques and implant placements our plastic surgeons favor for protecting the milk ducts and glands.

Our plastic surgeons emphasize that although breast augmentation should not result in breastfeeding complications, not all women are physiologically able to breastfeed. Many patients are surprised to learn that about 25 percent of women have difficulty breastfeeding naturally—whether they have undergone breast augmentation or not. The causes of this common condition may include natural breast placement, volume of glandular breast tissue, or breast asymmetry. If you are considering breast augmentation, be sure to raise all of your concerns and expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon during the consultation process to help ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.

For more information about breastfeeding with breast implants, or to schedule an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons, please contact our office today.