Undoubtedly, this is one of the main questions of patients who have undergone a breast augmentation operation with prosthesis and are going to be mothers: is breastfeeding possible? Do implants affect the quality of breast milk? Do you have risks?
In principle, a breast augmentation does not have to interfere neither in breastfeeding, nor in the quality of the milk produced, nor in the quantity of it.
The techniques for breast augmentation with prostheses vary according to the place where they are placed. Depending on the anatomy of the patient and the preferences of the plastic surgeon, the incision can be made around the areola, in the groove under the chest or in the armpit. In the case of the submammary or axillary pathway, the mammary gland is not affected (the prostheses are placed directly under it or the pectoral muscle), so that the breast can usually be given without major problem.
For some time, it was thought, however, that silicone prostheses (substance derived from silicon) could interfere with the quality of breast milk and be harmful to the baby. In 1998, a study carried out by the Women’s College Hospital and the Department of Surgery of the University of Toronto (Canada) set out to establish the possible relationship in this regard.
The study compared the levels of silicon in the milk of women who breastfed with and without implants. He concluded that the levels present in the breast milk of women with prostheses are similar to those of those who do not. He even detected that the presence of silicon is 10 times higher in cow’s milk than is usually consumed.
Changes in breast shape
It is important to note that, during pregnancy and lactation, there is a growth of the breast and, consequently, a stretch of the skin. Once this period is over, the size and weight resume their usual levels. However, sometimes, certain changes may occur and the breasts may be softer or sagging. This fact is more likely to occur the longer the period of breastfeeding, so some women prefer to wait until they finish to undergo breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation and breastfeeding is, on the other hand, a recurrent theme in forums, blogs and different opinion pages. It is necessary to remember that each case is particular and that no decision should be based on the opinion of comments made on the Internet, mostly generated anonymously. The most appropriate thing is to go to a specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery who knows how to correctly answer our questions and advise us in our particular case.
If you have questions or require more information, visit the specialists of the Aesthetic Medicine portal in Mérida.
