Gawley Plastic Surgery Blog

Many women, especially younger women, are concerned that breast implants may prevent them from breastfeeding. They are concerned that either breast implants will make them unable to produce enough milk for their babies, or may contaminate their breast milk.

According to the FDA and the majority of scientific research, there is concern that breast implants may increase a woman's likelihood of lactation insufficiency (not producing enough milk). Exactly how much it increases risk is not known. Studies vary, but it seems likely it will increase the risk of lactation insufficiency by at least 50%. With good support, though, every woman with breast implants should be able to breastfeed to some degree, and, with supplementation, babies gain weight and develop normally.

There is no evidence that breast implants pose a risk to breastfeeding infants. Studies of breast milk indicate that there is likely no leakage of silicone into the milk. Although platinum is detected in the breast milk, studies indicate that it is likely inert and therefore harmless. Silicone breast implants have been used since the 1960s, and approximately four million women in the US have received breast augmentation. Since many of these women also choose to breastfeed, it is likely that any significant risk would have been reported.

If you have concerns about breastfeeding or any other impact breast implants may have on you, you can get more information by talking to Phoenix-area board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryan Gawley. Please call or email Gawley Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.