Breast implant and breastfeeding: harmonious coexistence is possible

Breasts represent much more than just the organ for breastfeeding; they are a symbol of a woman's sensuality and play a fundamental role in the aesthetics of the female body. Therefore, aesthetic breast surgeries are increasingly common, being one of the most performed plastic surgeries in Brazil and worldwide, especially among younger women, an age when patients often have no plans to start a family and do not question whether there will be interference with breastfeeding.

But can breast implants really cause interference? What should be considered when undergoing breast surgery?

First of all, we need to know what the main breast surgeries performed are:

1- Augmentation mammoplasty with silicone implants, better known as silicone implants

2- Reduction mammoplasty, which consists of surgery to decrease breast volume

3- Mastopexy, which consists of repositioning the areola, and may or may not be associated with the placement of a breast implant.

As well as the incisions used:

1- Inframammary fold

2- Axillary

3- Periareolar (around the nipple)

4- Vertical

5- Inverted T-shape

6- L-shape

But why?

Basically, surgeries that do not involve incisions in the mammary gland generally do not interfere with breastfeeding, such as in augmentation mammoplasty (breast implant) with an access incision (cut) made in the inframammary fold, leaving the implant located behind the gland.

However, the more incisions made during surgery, the greater the chance that scarring of the gland could interfere with future breastfeeding. And when we say it "can," it's because there is a chance, often small, of interference.

We must consider that many women give up breastfeeding for other reasons, even without having had breast surgery, just as it is common for patients who have had breast surgery to successfully breastfeed without any difficulty.

The most important thing is always to discuss the existing risks with your doctor and understand what method will be used in the surgery. This way, it is possible to make decisions that do not lead to future regrets.

*Dr. Fernando Amato is a plastic surgeon, a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).