Saturday, December 26, 2009

Ask Dr. Man- Implant Questions

Dear Dr. Man, I’m strongly considering getting breast implants, but I’m concerned about breastfeeding the future. Granted, I don’t anticipate having a baby anytime soon; however, when the time comes, I want to be able to breastfeed. Is this possible? I recall hearing something about silicone not being safe when breastfeeding. Is this true? Signed, Future Mom

This is a question I get asked very often. Women who plan to have breast surgery are often concerned whether they will be able to nurse their babies in the future. The simple answer is “yes, most likely,” although women must understand that there is always some risk of complications. The ability to breastfeed after surgery depends upon various factors, which we will discuss in today’s column.

There was a concern in the early 1990’s with the reports of a “silicone illness.” Some people feared that silicone from the breast implants could leak into a mother’s milk and thus affect a baby’s health. However, later studies have shown that there was no base to this since the silicone molecule was too small to get into the milk ducts.

There is also the option of using saline implants in breast augmentation surgery. Saline implants are also extremely safe. There is no evidence that saline solution could pass into the milk ducts; this solution is harmless anyway and should not harm the mother’s or baby’s health.

Breastfeeding after having surgery could depend upon the type of the surgery and the incision site. Peri-aeroral, made around aerola, incisions are believed to be the most risky of all. Nerves and vessels could be damaged during the surgery; thus affecting nursing and lactation. Therefore, most surgeons choose to insert an implant through the incisions made under the fold of the breast, through the armpits or trans-umbilically (through the belly button) in order to avoid possible troubles in baby nursing.

The efficiency of breast feeding depends very much upon the implant placement. Most breast implants are placed under the muscle so that the milk ducts are not harmed during the surgery. However, with any breast surgery, there is always a risk of affecting the function of milk ducts.

Breastfeeding problems as a result of getting breast implants are most likely minor; however, you should be informed and aware of them so that you can evaluate the ratio of risk and success of the particular procedure. Be sure to discuss your future breastfeeding plans with a board-certified plastic surgeon.




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Dr. Man


Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.

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