Breast augmentation can be done after breast feeding. However, there are some factors to consider. You can breastfeed even after breast augmentation, but you need to consult your lactation consultant and surgeon. Breast milk is rich in nutrients. Some women may need to supplement breast milk with formula. However, this is not always necessary. After breast augmentation surgery, you may feel apprehensive.
Breast augmentation with fat transfer
The location of the incisions during a breast augmentation with fat transfer is likely to have no impact on your ability to nurse. These incisions average three millimeters length and are placed just beneath the nipple, in the Inframammary Fold. These incisions do not affect the nipple's sensation or letdown reflex because they aren’t too close.
Fat that has been taken from the breast during a previous procedure might act as a permanent or temporary graft. Fat cells from a fat transfer procedure will be permanently attached to the breast. However, most of them will eventually be absorbed. If the fat cells are not distributed properly, this can lead to uneven results. Fat harvested during the procedure is also collected under low pressure to avoid excessively damaging the fat cells.
Breast implants
The lack of studies on the relationship between breast implants and the ability to breastfeed may be a contributing factor to this concern. Western culture considers the breast to be a sexual organ. Advertisements often suggest that formula and breastmilk are equally good. Research is still needed to understand the psychosocial and physical causes of decreased breast-feeding capacity. However, research shows that there is an important balance between health and social benefits.
However, most breast augmentations are done using the same method of incision. Some surgeons may use different methods. For example, breast augmentation with fat transfer involves an incision about three millimeters long. The incision is usually made in the inframammary fold. It's not necessary for the incision to be made next to the Nipple.
Incisions around your areola
Periareolar incisions are made around the breasts after a breast augmentation. They are located at the outer edge and border of the areola. Because they are so close to the areola, these incisions are ideal for breast lift surgeries with implants. They also prevent the surgeon from cutting the nerves that run through the areola, which can be problematic if you breastfeed. If they are skilled in planning this type of incision, plastic surgeons can do it.
Often, incisions around the areola can be hidden from plain view. The transition to lighter skin from darker skin is gradual. It will take a few weeks for the incision to disappear, but eventually it will fade. Patients will not lose the sensation in their nipples or experience pain after the procedure. A breast lift is just as easy to recover from as a breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation: Breastfeeding
There is some confusion about breastfeeding after breast-augmentation. Breast augmentation is not a common procedure, but it can lead to breastfeeding failures. One study by Cruz and Korchin included both women who attempted and did not attempt breastfeeding. Two weeks after surgery, rates of breast augmentation were the same for both women with and without it. The incision type did not matter. The three studies showed that women who had breast augmentation had a lower likelihood of exclusively breastfeeding.
When your breast augmentation is performed, it plays an important role in your ability to breastfeed. Most people can complete basic recovery in a few short weeks. However it is possible for small nerves or blood vessels to connect more slowly. Breastfeeding should not be attempted until your body has fully healed from surgery. In addition, women should allow several years between breast augmentation and pregnancy. This will allow your body time to heal and decrease the chance of complications with milk supply.