subject: Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding [print this page] Author: Erich Shrefler Author: Erich Shrefler
The question of breastfeeding after the procedure is a common one raised by women considering breast enlargement. Concerns about breast feeding after breast reduction and high-profile celebrities who have experienced difficulty breast feeding after a reduction have turned attention on breast augmentation for the same concerns. However, these two procedures differ enormously in the techniques used for each, and this distinction can help you understand how breast augmentation effects breast feeding, if in fact it does. It is important to understand that women with underdeveloped breast are more likely to have difficulty breastfeeding than women with well-developed mammary glands. Breast Reduction The key element to breast reduction which may have a negative effect on breast feeding is the removal of lobules which create milk. The removal of breast tissue may damage milk ducts and lobules, prohibiting the movement or production of milk or negatively impacting the quality of milk produced. Breast Augmentation Breast augmentation rarely requires the removal of any breast tissue. Almost all plastic surgeons simply insert the breast implant through a small incision under the breast or arm, either under the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle. This has virtually no impact on the breast tissue, particular in sub-muscular implants. Most patients do no experience any adverse affects related to breastfeeding after breast augmentation. Breastfeeding Issues in Non-Augmented Women Many women have difficulty breastfeeding without either breast augmentation or breast reduction. Some of these women are either unable to produce breast milk, or produce breast milk which is nutritionally inadequate to nourish an infant due to: Injury Inability to lactate Poor nutrition Improper latch (baby does not milk properly) Medications Dehydration Illness Just as it is difficult to determine prior to pregnancy whether a mother will be adequately able to nurse her infant, it is also difficult to know postoperatively whether inability to nurse is caused by preoperative conditions or as a direct result of breast augmentation. However, percentages of women who have difficulty breastfeeding after breast augmentation is not very different from percentages of women who cannot breastfeed despite having had no breast procedure. In addition, you should be aware that the following are common symptoms after having given birth, and may adversely affect your ability to breastfeed, regardless of breast size: Increased sensitivity Swelling Pain Fever Chills Any of these symptoms may make breastfeeding excessively uncomfortable, and will not necessarily be increased or minimized by breast augmentation.About the Author:
To learn more about risks of breast augmentation or to ask questions about breastfeeding and plastic surgery, please visit the website of the Cosmetic Surgery Center, serving the areas of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.
