Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding
Northern Virginia, Maryland & Washington, DC

The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery located in Reston, Virginia, specializes in breast enhancement surgery, including breast implants, breast augmentation, breast lifts and breast reductions for Northern Virginia, Maryland & Washington, DC.

The ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation is a practical consideration for women who are considering having children after their procedure. Even if your choice to have children comes years after your surgery, it is important to understand how breast implants mat affect breastfeeding.

Almost all women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation. If you have breast augmentation prior to the birth of your first child, you may experience a lower milk supply, but this problem generally corrects itself as you and your baby develop a feeding schedule.

Potential Factors in Breastfeeding after Breast Augmentation

Most women are able to produce enough milk no matter what size their breasts are. The majority of difference in size between breasts is actually fatty tissue, the milk-producing tissues are about the same size in all women. The exception is breasts that are hypoplastic: they do not have enough glandular tissue, a condition that may accompany tuberous breasts.

Large breasts, whether natural or augmented, can be harder for infants to latch on to, but with patience most learn it as they grow. On the advice of a lactation consultant, you might try tools such as a nipple shield to make it easier for small infants to get milk from large breasts.

Other factors that may interfere with milk supply include:

• Breast augmentation incision options – while great care is taken during your breast augmentation surgery to reduce damage to nerves and milk ducts, some incisions run a higher risk of decreasing sensitivity. Periareolar incisions, placed around the nipple, can impact sensitivity and one study has linked them to an increased risk of being unable to breastfeed (Other studies have shown the opposite).

• Breast implant placement – Implants placed underneath the chest muscle should not have any impact on the glandular tissue in your breasts, and therefore not interfere with breastfeeding. It is the most common choice for implant placement by the breast implant surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center.

When you are considering breast augmentation surgery, it is important to keep in mind the impact it will have on every aspect of your life. Taking time to discuss your future plans with one of our breast augmentation surgeons can help you determine if breast augmentation is the best choice for you right now.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and have questions about breast augmentation and breastfeeding, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.