Breast augmentation with implants is a procedure that many women undergo for a variety of reasons, whether to add breast volume after pregnancy or weight changes, or to alter the overall size and shape of the breasts.
For those who may want to have children later, a common question that arises is whether breastfeeding is still possible after having implants. The short answer is that it absolutely can be, but there are some factors that can influence this, from the surgical technique to the position of the implant and individual anatomy.
Let’s look more closely at what affects breastfeeding after breast augmentation with implants, and what you might want to discuss with your surgeon before surgery if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
How can breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding relies on an intricate network of milk ducts, glandular tissue, and nerves around the nipple and areola. When a breast augmentation is performed, an implant is inserted either behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest muscle.
The extent to which this affects breastfeeding usually depends on how much the surgery disrupts these natural structures.
If the surgery preserves the milk ducts and the nerves that help trigger the milk let-down reflex, then it’s often possible to breastfeed successfully. However, if the incision is made around the areola, or if the implants are placed in a way that puts pressure on the milk ducts, there’s a higher chance that milk supply might be reduced.
Every patient’s anatomy is different, and while some women find they can breastfeed without issue after augmentation, others may experience a lower milk supply on one or both sides.
Does breast implant placement make a difference?
The placement of the implants can play a role in how well you’re able to breastfeed. Implants can be positioned either under the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular).
Submuscular placement tends to have a lower risk of interfering with the milk ducts or glandular tissue because the implant sits behind these structures rather than directly under them. Subglandular placement, on the other hand, means the implant is positioned closer to the milk-producing tissue, which may slightly increase the risk of duct compression or milk flow obstruction.
That said, the differences between these placements don’t guarantee an outcome either way. Some patients with subglandular implants are still able to breastfeed without any issues, while others with submuscular implants may find it more difficult due to other surgical factors.
Does incision type affect the ability to breastfeed?
The type of incision made during breast augmentation can also influence the likelihood of successful breastfeeding. There are a few common incision sites used during surgery – around the areola (periareolar), under the breast fold (inframammary), or in the armpit (transaxillary).
The periareolar incision, which runs along the edge of the areola, has a higher chance of affecting milk ducts and nerves responsible for sensation around the nipple. Damage or disruption to these areas can make it more difficult to produce or release milk effectively. In comparison, inframammary or transaxillary incisions are less likely to affect breastfeeding, as they are placed further away from the ductal and nerve structures.
If breastfeeding is something you’re considering for the future, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your surgeon beforehand so that the incision site and implant placement can be planned with that goal in mind.
What should you discuss with your surgeon before surgery?
If you’re planning to have children in the future and want to keep the option of breastfeeding open, it’s important that you mention this during your consultation. Your surgeon can adjust their surgical plan accordingly, selecting incision sites and implant placement methods that are less likely to affect breastfeeding.
Discussing this early allows your surgeon to balance the aesthetic goals of the procedure with preserving the functionality of the breast tissue. While it’s never possible to completely guarantee the ability to breastfeed after any breast surgery, being open about your goals gives your surgeon more room to plan for the best outcome.
Plastic Surgeon Dr Norris: Breast Augmentation Procedures & Personalised Guidance at Form & Face Sydney
At Form & Face, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Benjamin Norris has years of extensive training and decades of experience in performing tailored breast procedures.
If you’re considering undergoing a breast augmentation and want to understand how it may affect breastfeeding, booking a consultation with an experienced surgeon is a good place to start. During your consultation process, Dr Norris can provide tailored advice based on your anatomy, goals, and future plans, ensuring you have all the information you need before making a decision about surgery.
If you want to book a consultation with Dr Norris, please contact our team in Sydney (Bondi Junction) or Bella Vista.
Further reading about breast implants (augmentation mammoplasty):
- The main Form & Face augmentation mammoplasty page
- Our blog: How to choose a breast augmentation surgeon in Sydney?
- Our blog: What’s the cost of breast augmentation in Sydney?
- Our blog: What is the short scar method for breast augmentation?
- Our blog: Breast implants “drop and fluff” explained
- Our blog: How to minimise scars after breast augmentation surgery?
- Our blog: How to sleep after breast augmentation?
- Our blog: How to minimise swelling and bruising after breast implant surgery?
- Our blog: How to exercise after breast augmentation with implants?
Breast augmentation medical references: