Will My Breast Lift Scars Fade?
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape breasts,…
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Many women who consider breast implants wonder whether they will still be able to breastfeed if they decide to have children in the future. This concern is understandable, as breast surgery can impact milk ducts, nerves, and glandular tissue, all of which play a role in breastfeeding.
Dr. Gary Kode, a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Melbourne, Victoria, has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation while carefully considering each patient’s long-term goals, including the ability to breastfeed. If you are thinking about breast implants and are concerned about your ability to nurse in the future, it is important to understand the facts.
This article will break down the myths and facts surrounding breastfeeding after breast augmentation, explain the role of surgical techniques in preserving lactation, and guide you toward making an informed decision.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances breast size and shape using saline or silicone implants. The implants can be placed either above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the chest muscle, depending on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
During the procedure, an incision is made in one of the following locations:
Dr. Gary Kode carefully selects the best approach for each patient, ensuring that their surgical goals and potential breastfeeding concerns are taken into account. Women in Melbourne frequently seek his expertise for breast augmentation that considers both aesthetics and functionality.
Breastfeeding relies on the coordination of glandular tissue, milk ducts, and nerves within the breast. The glandular tissue produces milk, which travels through milk ducts to the nipple, where it is released when the baby suckles. The let-down reflex, triggered by the hormone oxytocin, is an essential part of milk flow.
Surgery can potentially interfere with this process if:
While some women with implants may experience a temporary reduction in supply, many are still able to breastfeed successfully. The key is surgical technique, which Dr. Gary Kode prioritises when performing breast augmentation.
Fact: Most women with implants successfully breastfeed their babies without complications.
Not all women successfully breastfeed, even without implants. The vast majority retain the ability to nurse after breast augmentation.. The main factors that influence this include surgical technique, implant placement, and pre-existing breast function.
Dr. Gary Kode, a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Melbourne, ensures that milk ducts and nerves remain intact whenever possible, giving patients the best chance of breastfeeding successfully in the future.
Fact: Research shows that silicone does not transfer into breast milk in harmful amounts.
Studies have found that silicone levels in breast milk from women with implants are no higher than in women without implants. In fact, infant formula has been found to contain more silicone than breast milk from mothers with implants. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and other global health authorities confirm that breastfeeding is safe for babies, even when the mother has silicone implants.
Fact: The placement of the incision plays a major role in preserving milk production.
Not all surgical techniques affect breastfeeding in the same way. The periareolar incision (around the nipple) carries a higher risk of interfering with the milk ducts, while the inframammary (under the breast fold) and transaxillary (underarm) incisions tend to preserve milk flow.
Dr. Gary Kode recommends surgical techniques that minimise disruption to milk production, particularly for women in Melbourne who plan to have children in the future.
Fact: Pregnancy and breastfeeding change breast shape, but implants do not prevent natural changes.
Whether or not a woman has implants, pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to:
While implants provide structure and support, they do not stop these natural changes from occurring. If a patient is concerned about post-breastfeeding breast shape, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be an option to restore firmness and position.
If performed correctly, neither the subglandular or submuscular placement should affect the breast tissue at all, and therefore not change the ability to breast feed or not.
Deciding to undergo breast augmentation in Melbourne is a personal choice, and if future breastfeeding is a concern, Dr. Gary Kode will discuss the best surgical options for you. By using advanced techniques that prioritise both aesthetic goals and functionality, he ensures that patients have the best possible experience.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Melbourne and want to understand how it may affect breastfeeding, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gary Kode today. His expertise in Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery ensures that every patient receives a comprehensive and personalised surgical plan. Book your appointment today to discuss your options with an expert in the field.