You may think that any kind of breast surgery will ruin your chances of breastfeeding successfully, but that may not be the case. If you are thinking about breast augmentation or reduction, and you think you may want to have more children, take some time to look at the latest information and consult with your surgeon before deciding.
Can Surgery Interfere with Breast Milk Production?
Generally, the procedure does not involve the milk ducts, so even if you have silicone implants, leakage will typically not taint the milk. The majority of breast implant surgeries will create an incision in the infra-mammary fold that is located under the breast. The surgeon will place an implant behind the pectoral muscle that lays under the breast tissue. If the implant is placed over the muscle, there is a small risk that it could interfere with milk ducts.
Making an incision around the areola can affect sensations to the nipple and could sever ducts which affect breastfeeding. However, there are alternative methods available, including an incision in the armpit or near the areola. If you are having breast augmentation or reduction surgery, and you know there is a strong possibility you will want to breastfeed later, it is important to do your research and consider all the facts. You can reduce your risk with planning and preparation, but when it comes down to it, you won’t know how successful breastfeeding will be until you try.
Any kind of breast surgery can potentially decrease milk production because some degree of damage is likely to occur to the glands, ducts, and nerves. Fortunately, the mammary system is a redundant, cooperative network that will often adjust and reconnect. Even women who have not had surgery will report that their milk production increased from their first child to their second, demonstrating that the process of lactation can further stimulate glandular development.
Preparation and Planning Can Positively Affect Results
If you feel you need breast augmentation, be sure to seek out the very best surgeon you can find who will use the most conservative technique to preserve the mammary system as much as possible. It also helps if you can plan a considerable lapse of time between having surgery and breastfeeding. If you have surgery in your 20’s and wait to have children until you are 25 or 30, you will give your body more time to adjust and prepare.
The type of surgery, attitude, environment, and support structure can all affect the success or failure of breastfeeding after surgery. Everyone’s experience will be different, and there are a ton of different ways to improve breast milk production. From customized diet plans to herbal remedies and treatments, and even prescription medication, there is probably something that can help you breastfeed successfully if you decide that is what you want.
If you are interested in finding out more about if breast augmentation is right for you or if you have had surgery with us and have questions about your incision, contact us today!