If a woman is planning a pregnancy or is already pregnant, there are many questions she’ll have. While this new journey of life is a beautiful one, it can certainly bring forth some major body changes along the way. One of the most significant changes that occurs during pregnancy involves a woman’s breasts.
Whether a woman who already has breast implants becomes pregnant, or whether a woman is considering both pregnancy and a breast augmentation in her future, the potential overlap and timing of these changes can lead to different outcomes. As a result, we meet women who come to us with a wide range of questions about this topic because they understandably want to be better informed before making big decisions in their lives.
1. IMPLANTS WON’T INTERFERE WITH PREGNANCY
Because most breast implants used today are made from durable, nonreactive material, they can withstand the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy that can change the size and shape of the breast. In fact, if there have been no complications with your breast implants, they do not pose a risk to a normal, healthy pregnancy in any way.
It is important to keep in mind however that while the breast implant stays in place and holds its shape, the rest of the breast and surrounding tissue may take on a different look post pregnancy. It is impossible to say how much of a change could occur, as changes in the breast during pregnancy will vary from woman to woman. In many cases, it is a very small change that doesn’t seem to make a difference. And while most women are absolutely fine with the effects, some can experience a more extreme change and may wish to undergo a corrective procedure such as a breast lift.
2. YOU CAN BREAST-FEED WITH BREAST IMPLANTS
In most cases, women with breast implants can safely breastfeed once their baby is born. Because the implants are placed under the milk-producing ducts, they should not interrupt or interfere with breastfeeding. On the other hand, the placement of implants under the muscle allows an additional layer of protection between the implants and the milk ducts, as well as a more natural appearance for patients without sinus drooping and less fatty tissue to begin with.
However, there may be problems with breastfeeding depending on where the incisions are placed. If the incisions were made around the areola, it can affect the mother’s ability to breastfeed, since this type of incision can sometimes affect the function of the milk ducts. Keep in mind that none of the incisions commonly used in a regular breast augmentation prevents breastfeeding, however, if a woman receives both a lift and an increase, her incisions can interfere.
3. ALWAYS GO WITH A SURGEON CERTIFIED BY THE BOARD
If after pregnancy you need adjustments in shape and size, or lifting (mini, moderate or full), only a highly qualified and certified surgeon with training and experience in all aspects of breast surgery is qualified to evaluate and treat this need. An unqualified surgeon may be unaware of all the options that can be performed on one breast and may be unable to adequately repair after pregnancy. Above all, make sure your plastic surgeon hears your concerns and develops an individualized plan to avoid post-pregnancy reconstruction, which can increase the likelihood of getting an outstanding result.
