Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding

Given the wealth of misinformation surrounding the topic, many women who are considering motherhood after breast augmentation are understandably worried about potential complications related to breastfeeding.

Silicone breast implants have been a specific source of concern, due to widespread and unfounded reports of silicone seeping into mothers’ breast milk. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found no association between silicone breast implants and health risks to nursing infants.

Likewise, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2001 issued a statement indicating that cow milk and most retail infant formulas have higher amounts of silicone than breast milk from women with silicone breast implants. Regardless of whether women have breast implants, the AAP recommends that women who are able to breastfeed do so for at least the first six months of an infant’s life.

Concern has also been expressed regarding the possibility of harming a woman’s milk ducts or milk glands during breast augmentation surgery, especially when a periareolar breast augmentation incision is used. Damage to the milk ducts and glands resulting from breast augmentation procedures is extremely rare.

The truth is that most women with breast implants who choose to breastfeed are able to do so without problems. It is also important to remember that regardless of breast augmentation, not all women are able to breastfeed.

If you wish to learn more about your breast augmentation options, including how breast implants may affect breastfeeding, please contact the office of Albany, New York, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha to schedule your personal consultation. We serve patients in the Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Springs, New York, areas.