Breast Augmentation and Pregnancy
Denver, Aurora, Lone Tree and Boulder, Colorado
Many women considering breast augmentation are concerned about the impact the surgery may have on their ability to get pregnant, or about any potential negative impact of breast implants on the fetus. The good news is that breast augmentation will not have any negative effects on your ability to become pregnant, carry a baby to term, or on the developing fetus. The less good news is that it is possible that pregnancy may have a negative impact on your breast augmentation results.
This page contains some basic information about breast augmentation, breast implants, and pregnancy. If you want to discuss any concerns you may have in detail, we recommend a consultation with Denver plastic surgeon Dr. David Broadway. Please call or email us to schedule your consultation.
Effect of Breast Implants on Pregnancy
There have been no major studies on the effects of breast augmentation on fertility, but there is no evidence to suggest that there are any negative effects, either in our experience or among the millions of women who have received breast augmentation.
There have been a number of major studies to determine whether breast implants have any effects on a developing fetus. This includes four major Scandinavian studies involving a total of over 11,000 women. These studies showed no increase in congenital malformations, hospitalization for esophageal and rheumatic disorders, or newborn mortality.
Effect of Breast Implants on Breastfeeding
There have been many studies on the effects of breast implants on breastfeeding. The studies conclude that although breast implants may increase the risk that you may be unable to breastfeed, they have no negative impacts on breastfeeding infants.
Some women are naturally unable to breastfeed. However, studies show that breast implants can increase the risk that you will be unable to breastfeed. Some studies indicate this risk may be even higher if your breast augmentation is performed with the periareolar incision, but others say the risk is the same for all incisions. Women with breast implants who want to breastfeed are encouraged to work with a lactation counselor, as this markedly increases your chance of success.
Studies looking at breast milk from women with breast implants show that there is a trace of platinum from the breast implants, but the FDA has concluded that the platinum is in a harmless neutral state. Silicon (a component of silicone) in breast milk from women with breast implants is not elevated compared to women without breast implants and is significantly less than that found in cow's milk or in commercial baby formula.
Effect of Pregnancy on Breast Implants
Breasts undergo many changes during pregnancy. These changes can impact your breast augmentation results. However, it is by no means certain that they will. Many women who have breast implants go through pregnancy and find that their breast augmentation results still look great. Others find they may want surgery to refresh the appearance of their breasts.
For related information, please see Breast Augmentation as Part of a Mommy Makeover.
If you have specific questions about breast augmentation and pregnancy, you can ask them during your consultation with Dr. David Broadway. Please call or email us today to schedule your consultation.
Lone Tree 9777 S. Yosemite Street, Suite 200, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Cherry Creek North 255 S. Detroit Street, Suite 200 Denver 80206