How do breast implants affect breastfeeding?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Samuel Ho
Dr Samuel Ho

Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants used for breast augmentation these days are most commonly cohesive gel silicone implants. The polymer used is of medical-grade as opposed to industrial-grade silicone, and therefore much more biologically inert and safe. The question I often get asked by my patients with regards to breastfeeding are:

  • Will the silicone leak into the breast milk and make it unsafe for my baby?
  • Will engorgement be worse?
  • Will I be able to breastfeed with the implant in place or will the milk supply be affected?

The answer to the first question is a DEFINITE NO. A large scale study of more than a thousand patients in the US showed that amongst 3 groups of milk, sampled from breastfeeding mothers with silicone implants, with no implants and from cow's milk, that there was no significant difference in silicone levels in the breastmilk from mothers with implants and without implants. In fact, the silicone levels were highest in the cow's milk.

The answer to the second question is less clear. Anecdotally amongst my patients, it appears that engorgement is a little worse in my patients with larger implants - more than 400cc per implant. Otherwise, it does not seem to have a significant impact in my practice.

I have had a number of patients get pregnant after breast augmentation and they have all successfully breastfed their children with the implants in place.

I hope that answers the common questions you may have on breast implants and breastfeeding.

Similar Questions

How many years can breast implants last in our body and what are the risks of having implants?

Thanks for your question. While modern breast implants are very durable and safe, it’s important to realise that they are not expected to last a lifetime. According to some studies, rupture rates are initially very low and begin to increase about 6-8 years after implantation. The chances of implants rupturing and leaking then gradually increases over time. Although rates do vary, you can expect that after 10 years, there is an approximately 10% chance of implant rupture and leakage occurring. This does vary with the type of implant used.

Photo of Dr Andrew Tay

Answered By

Dr Andrew Tay

Plastic Surgeon

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the 6th generation Motiva breast implants?

Advantages A softer and more adaptable gel, which results in a more natural appearance when standing and lying down, with movement and softness more similar to natural breast tissue. The softer gel makes inserting the implants possible through a smaller incision. A nano-textured surface. This has a finer texture compared to conventional breast implants. This reduces the risk of complications such as seroma, capsular contracture, and BIA-ALCL. The formation of a thin, soft capsule will allow the breast to remain soft over time.

Photo of Dr Andrew Tay

Answered By

Dr Andrew Tay

Plastic Surgeon

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox