What to Know about Breast Augmentation Before Baby

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases your breast size by placing implants.¹ It’s very common, even ranking as one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures in the world.^2,3 However, lactation and breastfeeding with implants are under-researched.^2,4,5 Breastfeeding and breast milk offer ample proven health benefits for both the infant and mother.^3,4 The big question becomes: Is getting a breast augmentation before you have a baby a good idea? If you’re in your childbearing years and are contemplating a breast augmentation before having a baby, it’s very important to do your research before proceeding. You should be aware of the complications that could arise and impact your breastfeeding post-augmentation.⁶

Surgeons use different methods and implant types for breast augmentations, and some have had better outcomes with post-surgery lactation and breastfeeding. It’s essential to find a specialist who’s knowledgeable about breastfeeding and lactation after a breast augmentation and how to have the most successful breastfeeding.⁵ So, let’s explore how breast augmentation can impact breastfeeding and whether you should get implants before or after pregnancy.

Breast Implants and Breastfeeding

Prior to any surgery, asking questions is a good way to learn about what you, the patient, can expect. When you factor in an elective surgery that could impact your breastfeeding abilities for your baby, the more questions you ask, the more you can learn to make an informed decision. Let’s answer a few of these questions that might have crossed your mind:

Can You Breastfeed With Implants?

The question we all want to know the answer to is: Can you breastfeed with implants? Research shows that there’s a high possibility a woman will be able to breastfeed with implants!³ That said, there are different methods and approaches surgeons use during augmentation. These may increase or decrease the chances of a woman being able to breastfeed and lactate post-surgery.^2,5

Before a breast augmentation surgery, you and your surgeon will discuss the location of the incision and implant. Factors such as the patient’s anatomy, the size of the desired breast enlargement, and the type of implant used will impact the appropriate incision and implant location.^8,9 Both the location of the incision and the implant can impact the risk of breastfeeding problems post-surgery, so this is important to consider. Remember that every patient is different and will have different outcomes.¹⁰

Let’s break down the different locations where implants can be placed as well as the incision locations, which have sometimes been correlated with better outcomes related to lactation and breastfeeding:

Implant Locations

Here’s where your implants could be placed:^4,9

Illustration comparing subglandular and submuscular breast implant placements, often considered in breast augmentation discussions. The subglandular implant is above the muscle, while the submuscular implant is below, both shown in cross-section. These views are crucial for understanding breastfeeding with implants.

Subglandular: The breast implant is placed in front of the muscle. The implant will be between the breast tissue and the chest muscle.^8,11 This location increases the risk of breastfeeding and lactation complications.^2,12
Submuscular: The breast implants are placed below the muscle.¹¹ This location has sometimes shown a decreased risk of breastfeeding and lactation complications and less impact on milk supply as compared to the subglandular placement.¹²

Incision Locations

Diagram of a human torso showing four types of surgical incision sites for breast augmentation and breastfeeding: Periareola, Inframammary, Transaxillary, and Trans-umbilical (TUBA). Each site is labeled and marked with a small line on the body. — Image via theprivateclinic.co.uk

The most common breast augmentation incision locations are the periareolar region (around the areolar edge), axillary (under the arm), and inframammary (under the breast).⁹ There’s very little information available discussing the impact the inframammary incision has on breastfeeding and lactation. However, research has shown that axillary incisions are related to fewer complications with lactation and breastfeeding compared to periareolar incisions.^5,9

Periareolar incisions are known to hide the surgery scar well. But while the incision scar may be better hidden, the risks are greater.² Some of these risks include damaged nerves, causing loss of nipple sensation and impacting lactation, as well as damaged milk ducts.^2,12

Can Breast Implants Affect Milk Supply?

There’s limited research and data on the topic of breast augmentations and breastfeeding. The belief, though, is that implants could impact a mother’s breast milk supply.⁵ The concern arises that their milk ducts might be severed or the nerves damaged during the augmentation procedure.¹² Both of these problems could impact a mother’s ability to lactate.

No matter where the implant is placed or where the incision is located, the risk of breastfeeding complications will always be higher compared to a mother who hasn’t had an augmentation. However, every woman is different. Some mothers may be able to successfully breastfeed post-augmentation with few or no problems.¹⁰

Post-delivery, it will be essential to work closely with your baby’s healthcare team and lactation consultant. Breastfeeding with or without implants can be challenging, and the support of a lactation consultant can be very helpful. They can teach mom and baby how to properly latch and the importance of milk removal to establish and maintain breast milk supply.¹⁵ Due to the unknown effects the implants can have on your breastfeeding supply, monitoring your baby’s weight will be super important.^5,12 Other signs your baby may not be getting a sufficient amount of milk from breastfeeding include:^7,17

Baby still shows hunger cues after a feeding (rooting, crying, clenching hands, putting hands to mouth, etc.)
Low number of wet and stool diapers
Very long or short feeding sessions
You don’t hear your baby swallow as they’re breastfeeding

Talk to your lactation consultant for more information on signs that your little one may not be getting enough milk.¹³

Are There Risks of Breastfeeding With Implants?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that there’s currently no official test to determine if silicone can pass to the baby through a mother’s breast milk. One study tested for “one component in silicone” in breast milk, but the results showed no difference in mothers with implants versus mothers without implants.¹⁰

Breast Implants Before or After Pregnancy?

Breast augmentations are invasive surgeries that require the surgeon to “separate your breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissues of your chest.”¹ Between the invasiveness of the augmentation and the changes the body goes through during pregnancy, including the breasts, the risk of having complications with breastfeeding and lactation increases.¹⁶ If you’re in your childbearing years and are contemplating a breast augmentation before having a baby, it’s very important to speak to a knowledgeable provider. Make sure to do your research and consider the benefits of breastfeeding for your possible future child. For many, waiting until after pregnancy to get breast implants will be the best choice. This can decrease the risk of lactation and breastfeeding complications.

Getting a breast augmentation before a baby offers no “pros” in regards to lactation and breastfeeding. “Cons,” on the other hand, are at the forefront of discussion. Again, this is due to the increased risk of problems arising with lactation and breastfeeding. The “cons” include:

Risk of decreased milk supply/production: As stated above, there’s always the risk that a breast augmentation could impact a mother’s milk supply. This could be for a number of reasons, but it’s most frequently related to nerve or milk duct damage from surgery.^3,12
Risk of engorgement and other medical issues: Although uncommon, there’s a risk that the mother could develop engorgement and even mastitis.² To help decrease the risk of engorgement, frequent breast emptying will be very important.¹³
Risk of ruptured/infected implant: There’s always a chance of encountering a ruptured implant or an infection related to the implant. Managing an implant complication while breastfeeding and caring for your baby can increase the stress of day-to-day life.¹

What If I Choose Not To Wait?

If you can, it’s best to wait until after pregnancy to get breast implants. But if you move forward with pre-pregnancy augmentation, work closely with your surgeon to choose the augmentation technique (location and incision type) that will most likely show the best results with breastfeeding. Try to find a surgeon who’s willing to take the time to provide all the information and resources available about breastfeeding with implants.³

If you’re currently pregnant with breast implants, consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is an excellent idea. Together, you can discuss what to expect with breastfeeding and how to best prepare before delivery. Once baby arrives, you can once again reach out for help and extra support from your IBCLC.¹²

Will Breastfeeding Ruin My Implants?

Some may wonder how breast implants look after pregnancy or after breastfeeding. Well, little research is available on breast implants after breastfeeding. Some believe that breastfeeding can ruin the look of the implants, causing sagging of the breasts. Others believe that pregnancy has more of an impact on the look of the breasts rather than breastfeeding itself.^3,9,16

The Bottom Line

The decision to have a breast augmentation should come with a lot of consideration and research during your childbearing years. Getting a breast augmentation before you have a baby can impact your ability to successfully breastfeed, so you shouldn’t take the decision lightly. Make sure to reach out to your healthcare team for more information on breast implants and the impact they could have on lactation and breastfeeding in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding

Can I breastfeed if I have breast implants?

Yes, many women are able to breastfeed with implants. However, the ability to breastfeed may be influenced by factors such as the location of the implants and the type of surgical incision used.

What implant placement is best for breastfeeding?

Implants placed under the muscle (submuscular) are generally associated with fewer breastfeeding and lactation complications compared to implants placed in front of the muscle (subglandular).

Where should the incision be made to reduce breastfeeding complications?

The axillary (underarm) incision is linked with fewer breastfeeding complications. Periareolar incisions, although they hide scars well, can pose a higher risk of damaging milk ducts and nerves, potentially affecting milk supply and nipple sensation.

Can breast implants affect my milk supply?

Yes, there is a possibility that implants may affect milk supply if milk ducts or nerves are damaged during surgery. However, many women are still able to successfully breastfeed after augmentation.

Are there risks to breastfeeding with implants?

Risks include potential for reduced milk supply, engorgement, mastitis, and in rare cases, complications with the implants such as rupture or infection. Monitoring your baby’s weight and feeding cues with the help of a healthcare provider is important.

Will silicone from the implants pass into my breast milk?

The FDA states that there is no official test to detect silicone in breast milk. However, a study found no difference in silicone levels between mothers with and without implants.

Should I get breast implants before or after pregnancy?

It is generally recommended to wait until after pregnancy to minimize the risk of breastfeeding complications. Breast augmentation before pregnancy increases the risk of issues such as decreased milk supply and potential implant-related complications.

Will breastfeeding ruin the look of my implants?

There is little research on the effects of breastfeeding on implants. Some believe breastfeeding may cause sagging, while others think pregnancy itself has a larger impact on breast appearance.

What should I do if I have implants and plan to breastfeed?

Consult with a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) before and after delivery to ensure you have the support needed for successful breastfeeding, especially if you’re concerned about your milk supply.

What if I decide not to wait for breast implants until after pregnancy?

If you choose to get implants before pregnancy, work closely with your surgeon to select the best placement and incision to minimize breastfeeding complications. Finding a knowledgeable provider is key.