Many women wonder if they will be able to breastfeed their children after having a breast augmentation. Before this question is answered, it is important to note that not all women have the ability to breastfeed, so being capable of breastfeeding after the procedure will first and foremost be influenced by whether or not you are able to do so prior to treatment. Assuming you do have the ability to breastfeed, the answer to this blog post’s question generally lies in the surgical approach used by the doctor. When a surgeon uses a peri-areolar incision (an incision that extends along the lower portion of the nipple), there is a chance that the milk-ducts can be affected, causing potential difficulty with breastfeeding. The good news is that there are other approaches Dr. Jeffrey Scott can use to accomplish breast augmentation. Inframammary (in the fold underneath the breasts) and transaxillary (within the underarm) incisions can avoid disruption of the the milk ducts and help preserve a woman’s potential for breastfeeding. Whether breast implants are placed above or below the pectoralis muscle, implants are always positioned behind the milk ducts and should not interfere with either milk production or the feeding process. In most cases, Dr. Scott prefers to place the breast implants submuscularly to further avoid the potential for lactation complications. Submuscular placement also reduces the risk of capsular contracture and provides better implant support.
Women who are thinking about breast lift or breast reduction procedures, however, need to consider the effect the procedure could have on their ability to breastfeed in the future. Because of the incisions and recontouring required to accomplish these procedures, there is an increased chance that the milk ducts will be affected. Every case is different, and it is best to discuss the specifics of your goals and lifestyle with Dr. Scott, as well as reveal whether or not you have plans to breastfeed in the future. It may be advisable to hold off on breast lift or breast reduction until you have decided you are finished having children. Dr. Scott can inform you of all the risks and benefits of the breast procedure you are considering and help you choose the right option for your needs.
