There’s no denying that breast augmentation is among the most popular surgical procedures in the United States. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), over 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in 2015 alone, making this the second most popular surgery.
While most patients are thrilled with results from their breast augmentation procedures, there’s typically one question that makes women hesitate to undergo this surgery:
Will it impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed if she decides to have a child?
The Answer Depends On…
Most plastic surgeons will discuss the possibility of pregnancy during the initial consultation as it can greatly impact how the breasts look.
For example, pregnancy can stretch the skin, as well as shift soft tissue around. There’s about a 25% chance that women will need an additional breast augmentation surgery after pregnancy. Therefore, if you’re planning on getting pregnant within the next one to two years, it’s recommended that you wait until after you’re done having children to undergo your surgery.
The chances of a breast augmentation affecting a patient’s ability to breastfeed depend on the type of incision that’s being used. Peri areolar (around the areola) affects the ability to breastfeed the most; IMF incision (which is placed under the crease of the breast in the Infra-Mammary Fold) has less of an effect and allows plastic surgeons to get the safest and most reliable results. Axillary incisions can also work, but they make it much harder for the surgeon to perform the breast augmentation procedure.
Other variables that could impact the breast augmentation procedure is the size or shape of implants, location of the incision, and the implant’s placement above or below the muscle.
Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation
For more information on what to expect with breast augmentation – including how it impacts breastfeeding – schedule a breast implants Boston consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Doherty. Dr. Doherty operates at his two practices in downtown Boston and Brookline, MA. Call (617) 450.0070 to learn more today!