Beverly Hills Doctor Discusses Breast Feeding After Implants

Many women who have breast implants, or are thinking about getting them, often have the same question:

“Can I breastfeed if I have breast implants???”

The simple answer to this question is…There is no simple answer to this question. First, women should not have breast implant surgery while they are pregnant or actively breastfeeding. Plus, there are silicone and saline breast implants so patients should consult with a surgeon on the best choice to achieve their desired results. Finally, there is also the decision about where the incision will be made during the surgery.

In order to learn more about the subject, Cosmetic Town News contacted a prominent Beverly Hills surgeon to get more answers.

Beverly Hills Surgeon Discusses Breastfeeding and Breast Implants

Dr. Jaime Schwartz is a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and we asked him if there is a connection between breast implants and the production of breast milk following the birth of a child. Dr. Schwartz said “No, there is no connection between the two. Typically, most implants are placed under the muscle and it shouldn’t affect breastfeeding or milk production.”

Women may be able to breastfeed after getting breast implants. In most cases, it depends on the type of implants, the placement of the implants and the way the surgery was performed. A huge source of concern for patients is the fact that chemicals in the implants may mix with breast milk. Some breast implants are filled with saline water and healthcare providers see no harmful effect if saline water mixes with breast milk. However, some breast implants contain a chemical called silicone and while it seems like it would not be okay if the silicone mixes with the breast milk, some healthcare providers claim it is okay to breastfeed if women have silicone implants.

One of the aspects of getting breast implants that worries women is scarring after having the implants placed. According to Dr. Schwartz, scars after implants should not impact the ability to breastfeed. “Implants are typically placed using an inframammary fold incision (IMF) or a periareolar incision, which will leave a scar, and neither of these should affect breastfeeding. However, a periareolar incision does cut through some of the breast tissue to place the implant.”

Before making the final decision to have breast implants placed, patients should schedule an appointment with a board-certified doctor. The doctor can discuss any risks and limitations, as well as the benefits of breast implants, so the patient will have realistic expectations going into the procedure.

Potential Problems Caused by Breast Implants and Incisions

Breast implants are considered to be a relatively safe cosmetic procedure but, on rare occasions, some problems might occur. Nerves, milk ducts and milk glands can be damaged during breast implant surgery. Injured nerves often lead to a reduction in sensation in the nipple area and this has been shown to reduce let-down response AKA when milk is released from the glands to the milk ducts so that it is available to a baby. Damaged milk ducts reduce the amount of milk produced by the breasts. It has been shown, via studies, that breast implants can also pinch milk ducts, block the flow of breast milk and cause swelling of the breasts.

The type of incision used during a breast implant procedure can affect breastfeeding. An incision made around or across the areola (the dark circle around the nipple) can damage the nerves. Instead, the incision should be made under the breast, in the armpit or in the belly button. These types of incisions are less likely to damage milk ducts, glands or nerves.

The area where the implants are placed may also impact a mother's ability to breastfeed. Breast implants can be placed between the breast tissue and chest muscle. They also can be placed under the chest muscle to prevent damage to milk ducts and nerves. Implants placed under the chest muscle pose little risk of mixing with breast milk. Incisions may be made through fatty tissue located under the breast tissue to put the implants in place. This method is less likely to damage breast tissue.

How to know if the Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk

Determining if a baby is getting enough breast milk is actually quite simple. A baby is getting enough breast milk if he or she has 6 to 8 wet diapers and 3 to 4 bowel movements each day. A baby is getting enough milk if he or she is gaining weight and breastfeeds 8 to 12 times each day.

Increasing milk production can be done via several methods:
A breast pump can be used after each feeding to help stimulate the breasts to produce more milk. The breast pump also helps empty both breasts completely.
Another method proven to help increase milk supply is breast massage. This has been shown to also play a role in stimulating the breasts to increase milk supply.
Feed the baby 8 to 12 times each day to increase the available milk supply.

Mothers can feed milk formula to the baby (if needed). Supplemental nursing systems use tube feeding to help supplement milk from the breast. The system is made up of a container that has supplemental liquid. A tube runs from the container to the nipple of the breast which allows the baby to suck on the nipple and the tube at the same time