If you’ve been thinking about breast surgery for a while, then you might have also been considering how this decision could affect your plans in the future especially when it comes to having a family.
For some of us, breastfeeding can be a huge part of becoming a mum so it’s really important for us to know whether this is still a possibility if you’ve had a breast enlargement. With this in mind, we caught up with our breast surgery specialist Mr Netri to get his expert advice on the topic of breastfeeding after having a boob job:
1. Can I breastfeed after a boob job?
Yes, it is likely that you can breastfeed. It does not matter if you choose under or over the muscle as the implants will sit behind the breast tissue with usually no damage to the milk ducts.
Although the risk of not being able to breastfeed is small, it is still a possibility and one that you should take into consideration before deciding to have breast surgery.
2. Will a boob job affect the sensitivity of my nipples or breasts?
There is a risk that your breasts and nipples after surgery can become either numb or more sensitive. Usually, the sensitivity comes back but it can take several months and there is still a small chance that won’t come back.
3. Will a boob job make breastfeeding more painful?
No, the typical pain associated with breastfeeding usually comes from the pressure when the milk fills the breast.
4. Pregnancy has affected my nipples and made them larger. Will I need nipple correction surgery?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the appearance of the nipple-areola as it can stretch and become larger and darker and the nipples can become longer, bigger or inverted. As an option, nipple correction surgery can help to restore their appearance.
5. Will I need a breast lift too?
It depends if and how much the breasts have dropped. Usually pregnancies and breastfeeding cause loss of elasticity of skin and stretch marks and as a result of this, they can sag and you might wish to have a breast uplift.
6. Will pregnancy ruin my existing boob job? Will they sag or lose volume?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the results of your surgery as you might experience loss of volume and elasticity, ptosis (sagging), and asymmetries.
7. Will I need a re-augmentation after pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No, if you are still happy with the results of your breast surgery.
8. Is it better to get a boob job before or after children?
I would normally advise my patients to not get pregnant in the first 6 months after the surgery so if you are currently trying for a baby, it might be wise to wait till after. This being said, there are no risks in getting pregnant even a week after surgery, but the result could be affected.
9. Is it better to have under or over the muscle if you are thinking of breastfeeding?
You should be able to breastfeed in both cases. Any risks will be discussed in your consultation, so you are aware of what is involved and can make a fully informed decision.
10. Am I more likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy if I’ve had a boob job?
No, stretch marks are scars that appear when the skin is stretched too much or too quickly, so you are not going to have a higher risk because you had breast implants previously.
Each year, we guide thousands of women through breast augmentation surgery.
Our expert surgeons, nurses, and patient advisors are dedicated to making your experience as enjoyable as possible. We’re always ready to answer your questions, no matter how big or small.
If you would like more information on breast augmentation, book your free consultation now. Have a look at our before and after photos to see some of our previous patients who have had breast surgery with us.