One of the most common questions women ask before breast augmentation is whether they will still be able to breastfeed. The reassuring answer: most women with breast implants can breastfeed successfully. However, certain surgical choices can influence lactation ability, and it is important to discuss your plans with your surgeon before your procedure.
Does Implant Placement Affect Breastfeeding?
Implant placement has the greatest influence on breastfeeding ability. There are two main placement options:
- Submuscular (under the muscle): The implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle, away from the glandular breast tissue. This placement has the least interference with milk ducts and is generally preferred for women who want to preserve breastfeeding capacity.
- Subglandular (over the muscle): The implant sits directly behind the breast gland. This placement has greater potential to compress milk ducts or glandular tissue, which could reduce milk production in some women.
How Incision Type Matters
The location of the incision also plays a role in preserving lactation function:
- Inframammary fold (under-breast) incision: Least likely to affect milk ducts or nerves important for milk letdown reflex
- Periareolar (around the nipple) incision: Highest potential for disrupting milk ducts and nipple sensation, may affect breastfeeding more than other approaches
- Axillary (armpit) incision: No direct breast tissue disruption; generally does not affect breastfeeding
Are Silicone Implants Safe During Breastfeeding?
Multiple studies have found no evidence that silicone from intact implants transfers into breast milk in clinically significant amounts. The FDA considers silicone gel-filled implants safe for breastfeeding women. If you have concerns about implant integrity, an MRI can confirm the implants are intact before or during pregnancy.
What to Tell Your Surgeon
If you plan to have children and want to preserve breastfeeding ability, communicate this clearly during your consultation. Your surgeon can:
- Recommend submuscular placement to minimize glandular disruption
- Use an inframammary incision to protect milk ducts
- Choose implant sizing that avoids excessive pressure on breast tissue
- Discuss timing, some surgeons recommend waiting until after completing your family to avoid changes from pregnancy affecting implant aesthetics