Breast implants can improve a female’s overall body contour as well as self confidence. In addition, innovations in plastic surgeries have made breast implant a safe and popular procedure among all types of women. However, many women shy away from breast implants because they are under the assumption that breast implants may hinder their ability to breastfeed. Although it is a risk that women with breast implants may not be able to breastfeed, it is a risk all women share regardless of if they have implants.
There have yet to be any known risks that increase a woman’s inability to breastfeed. However, it is natural for you to be concerned that breast implants may prevent you from breastfeeding, and it is common to worry about if it is a good for your infant. If you are concerned that breast implants could affect your milk supply and/or quality, be aware that breast implants have never been associated with children and medical problems.
Numerous studies, which compared milk supplies of mothers with implants vs mothers without, have concluded that both groups produced milk that was safe. Moreover, these studies also show that both groups milk production was equal, and babies of both sets of mothers gained weight at an equal rate during the study.
When you are thinking of getting breast implants, it is helpful to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation. A plastic surgeon who is an expert in this field can answer any questions you may have and help you come to a decision that will best meet your specific needs.
Breast Implants: What You Need to Know
Breast implant surgery is a common procedure that has been performed by plastic surgeons since the 1960s. In the United States, an estimated 300,000 females get breast implants every year. Because breast implants are so frequently performed, if there was a problem with milk production and/or supply due to breast implants, it would be known by now.
Breast Implants Will Not Affect Breast Milk
The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that breast implants may hinder a women’s ability to breastfeed. However, it is important to note that there haven’t been significant studies that prove the quality and supply of breast milk is hindered because of breast implants.
There has been one minuscule study that reported the periareolar incision, which is made during breast implants, may decrease a women’s ability to breastfeed. However, the study was too insignificant to compare the results with other factors that include the many women who get breast implants because of underdeveloped breasts, which can also hinder their ability to breastfeed.
Breast Implants Won’t Harm Infants
Although there haven’t been any reported health conditions that are associated with breastfeeding and implants, sometimes platinum from the breast implants can show up in the milk supply. However, this hasn’t been associated with any side effects or health problems with the infants. According to the FDA, the platinum that is sometimes seen in the milk is in a neutral state, so it is considered safe. Although there isn’t a way for scientists to trace silicone in breast milk supply, there have been studies that have measured silicon, which is silicone’s elemental component. The studies found that silicon levels was the same in both groups of women. Furthermore, silicon is much higher in infant formula. It is likely that silicon found in breast milk is not passed on to the baby.
Breast Implants and Breast Pumping
There are many women who have breast implants and are under the assumption they can’t use a breast pump. The shape of a breast implant is designed to look and feel like a natural breast, so a female with breast implants shouldn’t have problems fitting her breast into the pump and producing milk. However, if you decide to use a breast pump that is built with a suction regulator, it is important that you begin to pump on the lowest possible setting and slowly increase with time. This is vital because it will ensure that your implant isn’t put under too much pressure when you begin to pump.
Some women with breast implants and some without may have problems producing an adequate milk supply, so a breast pump can be an ideal way to stimulate milk production.
If you are concerned that a breast pump will damage your implant, even the strong suction on a breast pump will not cause as much pressure as a nursing infant. Breast pumps are also convenient because you are able to store milk for times when you may need medication that will pass to your breast milk, so if you have issues with pumping, it is advised to seek a lactation consultant.
If you want to get breast implants, it is important to seek service from a skilled plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Douglas Steinbrech. Dr. Steinbrech’s patients have been happy with the results of their breast augmentation as well as being able to breastfeed after implants. The Consumer’s Research Council named Dr. Steinbrech as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Steinbrech has years of experience performing breast augmentations and is dedicated to helping his clients meet their goals. Visit www.drsteinbrech.com to schedule a consultation.
