If you’re considering a breast augmentation procedure, it is important to understand all potential risk factors that could impact your future. It is normal to consider scarring and recovery time. But if you’re planning on having children after breast augmentation, then you may also be wondering about breastfeeding after breast augmentation

For more answers to the questions women care most about, get in touch with Linville Plastic Surgery in Houston.

You Can Breastfeed

There is a prevailing myth that breastfeeding after breast augmentation is not possible. This isn’t quite accurate. BFAR reports that any severing of the ducts or nerves will, of course, reduce milk production, but you will likely still be able to breastfeed your child.

If you feel that you aren’t producing enough milk, then you should speak to your doctor. They will help you ascertain whether your baby is receiving enough and suggest a formula to supplement the milk you are producing.

Surgical Factors For Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation

According to Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, the type of incision performed during your breast augmentation and the placement of the implant are key factors to ensuring there isn’t a drastic reduction in your ability to produce milk for your baby.

Dr. Cain Linville specializes in the inframammary incision, which he places in the fold beneath the breast. The IMF incision is a favorite due to the fact that it is minimally invasive when compared to other options. In addition to preserving the glandular tissue responsible for milk production, Dr. Linville can use the position of the incision to slightly adjust the shape of the breast, concealing any scarring underneath.

For breastfeeding after breast augmentation, you should avoid a periareolar incision. This incision cuts around the areola. It takes advantage of the color barrier between the areola and breast to entirely conceal the scarring, making it aesthetically appealing. Unfortunately, this incision tends to damage more of the breast tissue. The approach can reduce sensation, particular at the areola, and has the potential to significantly reduce milk production.

Breast Implants

As with the incision, the placement and type of implant you choose also play a role in how successfully you will be able to breastfeed afterward. Your surgeon should be aware of your intention so that you can talk through your best options together based on the condition of your natural breasts. Regardless of the implant, your surgeon will want to position it behind the glandular tissue in order to prevent the weight of the implant from preventing milk production.

In terms of implant options, Dr. Cain Linville offers two choices.

• The teardrop implant aims for a more natural look. The tapered top allows them to flow smoothly up towards the chest.
• The round silicone gel implant is for a more traditional breast augmentation. The shape of the implant replicates the effect of a push-up bra, giving the upper cleavage more of a lift.

Natural Breast Augmentation

If you aren’t entirely comfortable with the idea of implants, there is a more natural option. Natural breast augmentation with fat transfer offers a two-in-one opportunity. Essentially, the patient receives a liposuction treatment and the by-product is transferred up to the breast, allowing you to medically redistribute the fat in your body to a more desirable area.

In addition, the fat is injected into the breast from very small access points. Most patients don’t even require sutures afterward, which means there is little to no interference with your natural, glandular tissues. However, you should keep in mind that the redistributed fat may throw off initial mammogram readings. In most cases they will appear to your radiologist as oil cysts or benign calcifications, so don’t worry too much. If anything suspicious does appear, don’t hesitate to agree to a biopsy. It’s always better to be safe.

Remember The Essentials

Breastfeeding after breast augmentation is both very possible and safe. By carefully choosing a surgeon and making sure they fully understand your expectations, you will likely be able to feed your babies at the breast.

There is some chance that you won’t provide quite enough, but that can also be said of many women who have never received breast augmentation. Use a doctor suggested formula to make up the deficit. Your baby will still receive all of the antibodies and nutrients from you that make natural feeding so important.