If you’ve recently had breast enlargement (breast augmentation) surgery or are considering the procedure, it’s natural to question whether a boob job prevents breastfeeding and whether you’ll be able to breastfeed as usual.
Given that the surgery focuses on the breast tissue and may include the re-positioning of the areola, it is definitely something to consider.
Adam and his team are here to minimise your anxieties and answer any questions you may have, including all the information you may need about breastfeeding with implants.
Do breast implants affect breastfeeding?
Breast enlargement surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, and with this in mind, many women can breastfeed with implants after a boob job.
In fact, those who have had surgery years before pregnancy may have a better chance of breastfeeding successfully, as the nerves can regenerate over time and provide all of the necessary signals needed to produce milk.
However, it’s important to note that certain factors can impact milk production, which can make breastfeeding after a boob job more challenging. These include:
- Where your surgery incision is located
- Where your implant is placed
- Whether the milk ducts or nerves were affected or disrupted during surgery
- How quickly your body recovers post-surgery
Our experienced consultant breast surgeon Adam will discuss your current situation and preferences before your breast enlargement surgery. This will help to ensure that any breastfeeding difficulties or risks are minimised throughout the surgery process.
What is the best incision location for a boob job when breastfeeding?
Once you are asleep under general anaesthesia, an incision will be made to create a pocket for the implant insertion. This incision can be made in three locations:
- Under the breast crease (inframammary incision): This is the most common choice as it is discrete and leaves a short scar. It also won’t affect milk supply as it avoids the milk ducts and nerves, making breast implant breastfeeding more straightforward.
- Under the armpit (transaxillary incision): This leaves no scar on the breast but instead leaves a small scar under the arm. Again, this incision avoids the nipple and milk ducts, so it has little to no impact on breastfeeding.
- Around the areola (periareolar incision): This incision carries the highest risk of interfering with breastfeeding. Due to being so close to the nipple, milk ducts, and nerves, there’s a higher risk of breastfeeding difficulties and a loss of sensation.
With this in mind, it’s definitely best to avoid a periareolar incision if you are having breast enlargement surgery and wish to breastfeed without potential complications or difficulties, something which Adam will discuss with you as part of your breast surgery consultation appointment.
What is the best implant placement for a breast implant and breastfeeding?
You will be able to discuss your implant placement preferences before your breast enlargement surgery with Adam. Similarly to the location of the incision, there are three options to choose from:
- Under the chest muscle (submuscular placement): Useful for individuals with minimal breast tissue as it prevents the edge of the implants from being too visible. However, as the muscle only covers the upper half of the implant, some patients experience visible implant movement when tensing. With this placement, there is a risk of more discomfort or loss of chest muscle.
- Under the breast tissue (subglandular placement): This placement minimises pain, reduces implant displacement, and avoids losing chest muscle strength and function. However, a larger volume or highly projecting implant can potentially reduce milk flow due to the pressure of the implant on the milk ducts.
- Dual plane augmentation: Blending both placement techniques into one, dual plane augmentation involves positioning the implant partly under the breast tissue and partly under the chest muscle. It can reduce (but not completely eliminate) pressure on milk ducts and glands, making your implants less likely to interfere with milk production than insertion under the breast tissue.
Adam will be able to advise on the best placement and incision for you, your body and your lifestyle, ensuring that you make a well-informed decision.
How long should I wait to breastfeed after a boob job?
The full recovery time for breast enlargement surgery is usually around six to eight weeks long. However, it could take up to a year for your breasts to fully settle — this will reduce the risk of any additional pressure on your milk glands.
With this in mind, it’s important to wait until your breast tissue and incisions have fully healed before surgery. As part of your breast surgery recovery, you will receive personalised guidance on your recovery timeline from Adam at regular check-ins, discussing with you when it is safe for you to start breastfeeding, as each individual’s recovery is unique to them.
Adam Critchley: Newcastle’s trusted breast surgeon
If you have been considering breast enlargement in Newcastle, Adam Critchley and his expert team are on hand to make your surgery experience as safe and comfortable as possible. Adam Critchley is one of the highest-rated breast surgeons in Newcastle, with countless positive patient reviews from women across the North East who have undergone breast procedures under the care of Adam and his dedicated team.
See our pricing structure for surgery costs, and don’t hesitate to enquire directly with Adam Critchley for a no-obligation phone consultation to discuss your needs.
