Presently ranked No. 1 cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation causes worry in the women about breast feeding their babies in future. Women who have had implants often assume that they will not be able to breast-feed their babies, but fortunately doctors tell they can. Women who have had silicone or saline implants have successfully breast fed their children with only a handful of exceptions.
Implants are known to make the nipple more sensitive in some cases, whereas in others it may lose sensitivity to some extent. If the milk ducts, mammary glands and nerves are not damaged during breast augmentation, then the mother can breastfeed the baby without any interference from the implant.
Choose the right spot for incision
Most of the implantation surgeries are suitable for breast feeding, though the location of incision or implantation may interfere with regular flow of milk in some cases. The best area for the incision is under the fold of the breast or somewhere near the armpit. Some surgical procedures may require a curved semi circle incision around the areola which may interfere with the flow of milk through the nipples.
Implants cleverly placed under the crease of the breast or under the muscles of the chest do not harm the nipples or interfere with the milk flow. Avoid any kind of pressure on the mammary glands if you intend to breastfeed your baby in future. The cosmetic surgeons make incision at the spot where the skin of the nipple starts, seeing that the scar will be well hidden and not visible there. Aesthetically that is the best option, but when taking into considering the breast health, such incision should be avoided at any cost.
One of the procedures that makes breastfeeding almost impossible after breast augmentation is the one in which the incision is made across the nipple and areola. This can harm the nerves, hinder blood circulation and interfere with the functioning of milk ducts and mammary glands. The technique is common in Asia as it leaves behind no scar at all, but those women who wish to breast feed their children in future should avoid such surgery.
How safe is it for the baby?
It very unlikely for the implanted materials to seep into breast milk to be consumed by the baby, therefore we can assume it is safe to breastfeed a baby following breast implantations. There have been cases where ruptures, holes or tears have appeared in the shell of the implant inside the breast. In case of saline implant the solution leaks from the shell and gets absorbed by the body leaving behind a deflated breast. In case the saline implants on those rare occasions gets the baby exposed to it, even then there is no danger as it is a natural substance which is found in our body. It is nothing more than concentrated salt water.
There is no sure answer for the question whether silicon can harm the baby though normally it is not a harmful or poisonous substance. Being gel like and thick in consistency, silicone does not leak out of shell when ruptured.
It is wise to check for any leaks before breast feeding the baby, and also check it once in awhile to be sure the baby is safe. A good pediatrician should be able to guide the mother regarding the safety of the baby.