Can you breastfeed after a breast enlargement?

When researching cosmetic surgery there are a lot of factors you need to consider before you go ahead and book. To help make your research a little bit easier, we put the most frequently asked questions regarding breastfeeding with implants to a MYA expert.

Can you breastfeed with implants?

A common concern for many women who are considering breast implants, is whether they will be able to breastfeed after their surgery. Patients who are undergoing a straightforward breast enlargement procedure, should be able to breastfeed successfully with no issues

Breast implants shouldn’t prevent the patient from breastfeeding or impacts a woman’s ability to produce milk. Patients will also be able to use a breast pump as normal.

However, as with any surgical procedure there are some risk factors. Following a breast enlargement, it is possible for some women to experience complications with breastfeeding, this can be due to a number of reasons:

• Extremeley large implants can impair breastfeeding

• If the patient suffers mastitis

• If the patient experiences a complication relating to their implants e.g. capsular contracture

The decision to breastfeed is very a personal choice, not all women choose to breastfeed, and some women have difficulties naturally breastfeeding. It’s important to remember that there is a lot more support for breastfeeding mums now and a wide range of formula substitutes are available for those who don’t breastfeed.

If you are questioning your ability to breastfeed following breast surgery, speak to your surgeon or MYA clinical team for more information.

Can you breastfeed after a breast uplift?

Breastfeeding is usually possible after a breast lift (commonly known as a mastopexy) as the patient’s nipples aren’t separated from the underlying breast tissue during the procedure.

Complex breast lifts or breast reduction procedures have potential to affect the patient’s ability to breastfeed. This is typically due to disruption of the nerves and milk ducts when the nipple is repositioned.

Will breastfeeding affect my surgery results?

Many patients report noticing very little change in their post-surgery breasts, however, breastfeeding with implants may adversely affect the shape and fullness of the breast, as may pregnancy itself.

Patients should expect that the physical changes that occur to their bodies during pregnancy, could affect the aesthetic results of breast enlargement surgery. Everybody is different and there are several factors such as weight fluctuations, skin elasticity and age that affect your breasts during pregnancy.

Following breast enlargement surgery, your breasts continue to change and heal for up to a year, therefore, we advise patients to wait until they are fully healed and over the 1-year post-op mark before trying to get pregnant.

Here at MYA, we understand that nature takes its course and sometimes you can't control when you fall pregnant. If you have any further questions regarding breastfeeding with implants, please speak to your MYA clinical team.

Will having implants and breastfeeding harm my baby?

It’s understandable that many women are concerned that breastfeeding with implants could affect the health of their baby.

However, there is no associated link between having breast implants and breastfeeding causing any harm or health implications to babies. A breast enlargement procedure doesn't require the nipple to be repositioned during surgery, therefore there is no disturbance to the milk ducts and normal lactation will still occur.

Will having breast implants affect my milk supply?

Breast implants shouldn’t affect your milk supply; a straightforward breast enlargement procedure doesn't require the nipple to be repositioned during surgery, therefore there is no disturbance to the nerves or milk ducts and normal lactation will still occur.

When can I have a breast procedure after breastfeeding?

Patients would need to wait 6 months after they stopped breastfeeding before they can be consulted for any breast surgery with MYA, to ensure that they are no longer producing any milk and to ensure the mother's post-pregnancy weight has stabilised. If the patient is hoping to lose further weight following their pregnancy, they would be advised to wait and return when they have achieved their optimum weight before proceeding with surgery.

Should I wait till I've had children before I have my boobs done?

This decision is truly up to you and your circumstances, many patients have breast augmentations before having children because it's the right time for them. However, in some cases it is advised that patients wait until after completion of their family before having breast surgery, such as a breast enlargement or a breast uplift due to the presence of Ptosis (sagging of the breast) and elasticity of the skin. This is something to discuss with your MYA surgeon during your consultation and they will advise what they believe will achieve the best surgical results. 

Having cosmetic surgery can be expensive, so some patients like to wait till they've had children and can save up to do something special for themselves.

Can I have breast surgery if I have breastfed?

Yes, fluctuations in weight breastfeeding are two of the most common reasons patients choose to have breast surgery following pregnancy. Our expert surgeons have helped thousands of happy MYA patients regain their confidence following pregnancy. Popular procedures for patients who have breastfed include:

• Breast Enlargement – a breast enlargement can help to enhance the size of the breasts and is a popular procedure for patients who are looking to achieve a larger cup size.

• Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) – a mastopexy can help to lift and reshape breasts that have sagged over time, enhancing size and adding fullness with the addition of implants.

• Implant Removal & Reaugmentation – this is a popular procedure with patients who are looking to replace their implants after 10-15 years or are wanting to reduce or increase the size of their implants following pregnancy.

Are there any side effects I should be aware of if I breastfeed with implants?

Breastfeeding with implants is completely safe and many women around the world have benefited from the confidence they’ve gained from breast enlargement without affecting their ability to breastfeed.

Want to know more?

MYA Cosmetic Surgery are the industry leader for breast surgery in the UK, we specialise in  breast enlargements and offer a range of different breast procedures. Our team of highly trained, friendly professionals are on hand to answer any of your questions surrounding breastfeeding with implants. 

If you want to find out more about getting a breast enlargement in Manchester, or elsewhere in the UK, give us a call to speak to us directly, or book a FREE consultation to meet with a surgeon and learn if implants are right for you.  

If you’d like to speak to like-minded women, sign up to the MYA forum today to read patient stories and start an open and honest discussion with people just like you! If you have any other questions about breastfeeding with implants, please contact your MYA Clinical team or head to the MYA forum to speak with other likeminded women.