Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Blog | Dr. Linderman

I am frequently asked by patients undergoing breast augmentation if they can breast-feed should they become pregnant. The surgical procedure of breast augmentation does not affect a woman’s ability to breast-feed but is it my recommendation that patients not breast feed with breast implants. A small number of women will develop mastitis with breast-feeding and I believe this increases the risk of development of capsular contracture and breast firmness. The cause is most likely due to a low-grade infection around the implants. Certainly patients have breast fed their children with no adverse effects but I prefer to error on the side of caution. This is an extremely personal decision that patients must balance the rewards against the risks.

Following breast augmentation, pregnancy can have unpredictable results on overall breast shape and volume. The increase in size may cause stretching and thinning of the breast skin. Loss of overall volume and breast sagging are common sequelae following pregnancy. Hereditary influences, skin quality and overall weight gain may a major role in the effects of pregnancy on breast tissue. Some women may have several pregnancies and have minimal changes to the shape and size of their breasts. However most women will experience some volume loss and possible ptosis. The majority are ideal candidates for breast augmentation and or breast lift surgery. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Linderman can help breast volume and shape after pregnancy.

Labels: breast augmentation