Many women considering breast augmentation may worry that the procedure may impact their ability to breastfeed in the future, or that breast implants may pose a risk to breastfed infants. Studies confirm that breast implants pose no risk to breastfed infants, and recent studies suggest that the main factor in breastfeeding success may be psychological.

During the late 80s and early 90s, concern was raised about the safety of breast implants, especially silicone breast implants, and part of that concern was for the safety of breastfed infants. However, research has shown that there is no reason to believe breast implants pose any risks to a breastfeeding infant. Silicon levels in breast milk were comparable for women with saline breast implants and silicone breast implants, and much lower than that found in either cow's milk or in commercial baby formula.

Not all women are naturally able to breastfeed successfully, and there is some evidence to suggest that breast augmentation may increase your risk of being unable to breastfeed. However, a recent study suggests that the main factor in determining breastfeeding success after breast augmentation is whether or not a woman believed that breastfeeding would impact the quality of her breast augmentation results (it won't).

To ensure the greatest likelihood of breastfeeding success after breast augmentation, it is crucial that you approach the attempt with patience and determination to succeed, and, if necessary, seek the help of a lactation consultant.

To learn more about breastfeeding after breast augmentation, please contact Marietta Plastic Surgery to talk to a surgeon at either our Marietta or Woodstock locations, convenient to all our patients in the Atlanta area.