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Can you breastfeed with breast fillers?

Breastfeeding with Breast Fillers: What You Need to Know
Breast augmentation is a popular procedure that many women opt for to enhance their appearance. However, a common concern among new or expectant mothers is whether having breast fillers, such as implants or fat grafting, affects their ability to breastfeed. This question is especially pertinent as more women are choosing to balance personal aesthetics with the joys of motherhood.
The Mechanics of Breastfeeding
To understand the impact of breast fillers on breastfeeding, it’s essential to grasp how breastfeeding works. The process relies on the milk-producing glands, known as lobules, and the milk ducts that transport milk to the nipple. When a baby suckles, it stimulates these glands to produce milk.
Impact of Breast Fillers on Milk Production
Generally, most studies indicate that women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed. The key factors that influence breastfeeding capability include:
1. Surgical Technique: The method used during breast augmentation plays a crucial role. Techniques that involve incisions around the areola or through the armpit may disrupt the milk ducts or nerves, potentially affecting milk production. Conversely, inframammary incisions (under the breast) tend to preserve more of the breast’s natural structure.
2. Type of Fillers: Saline and silicone implants are the most common fillers. Research suggests that silicone implants do not impede milk production significantly. However, it’s worth noting that some women report lower milk supply, but this can vary greatly from person to person.
3. Fat Grafting: This technique, where fat is taken from another part of the body and injected into the breasts, is believed to have less impact on breastfeeding. Since it involves the body’s own tissue, it typically does not interfere with milk ducts or glands.
Nipple Sensitivity and Attachment Issues
Some women with breast fillers report changes in nipple sensitivity, which can affect the baby’s ability to latch correctly. An altered sensation can influence the mother’s ability to respond to the baby’s feeding cues. If a woman has concerns about her ability to breastfeed, it is advisable to consult with a lactation consultant who can provide strategies to help with latching and feeding.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While breast fillers generally do not prevent breastfeeding, there are some considerations:
– Infection Risk: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, which can complicate breastfeeding if it occurs post-operation.
– Implant Rupture: In rare cases, an implant can rupture during pregnancy or breastfeeding, although this does not typically affect the milk supply directly.
– Breast Changes: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause natural changes to breast size and shape, which may affect the appearance of implants.
Consultation is Key
For women considering breast augmentation or those who are pregnant, it is crucial to engage in open discussions with healthcare providers. A board-certified plastic surgeon can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances, as well as recommendations for managing breastfeeding after surgery.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are factors to consider, many women with breast fillers are able to breastfeed successfully. Awareness of surgical techniques, the type of fillers used, and potential impacts on nipple sensitivity can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey. As with many health-related choices, informed decisions rooted in professional guidance can lead to positive outcomes for both mother and child.

Is breast filler safe for breastfeeding?

While there is no concrete evidence that dermal fillers affect breastfeeding or breast milk, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before proceeding.

Can you get fillers while pregnant?

Why Can’t I Get Them During Pregnancy? The reason pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t get Botox or fillers (according to the FDA) is because of their fluctuating pregnancy hormones. It can cause issues with blood flow as well as swelling. In other words, it might cause issues for the mother—not the baby.

Can you breastfeed if you have fake breasts?

Many women think breastfeeding or pumping will damage the implant or change the aesthetics of their breasts. There is simply no evidence to support this. You should be able to breastfeed and pump without any risk of altering your augmentation.

Can I breastfeed after breast fillers?

Myth: Women cannot breastfeed after getting breast implants or a breast reduction. Truth: When pregnant or planning to have children, many women who have had breast surgery (breast augmentation or reduction) question whether they will be able to breastfeed. Despite what some women may assume, the answer is often yes.

Do cosmetic breast implants affect breastfeeding?

It was found that the commonest problem seen in the women who had breast augmentation surgery was inadequate production of milk, which was seen in 19.8% of those with saline implants and in 19.6% of those with silicone implants.

What is forbidden after filler?

In the 24-48 hours following your filler injections, it’s recommended to avoid active cosmeceutical products such as AHAs, retinol, and vitamin C, as well as oil-based makeup. These products can potentially cause irritation or interfere with the settling period of the filler material under your skin.

Can you breastfeed after a breast fat transfer?

Fat transfer to the breast is not known to affect breastfeeding as the procedure involves making tiny incisions in the lower breast crease followed by the injection of fat. The area of surgery is well away from the nipple, so the milk ducts are preserved.

Can I breastfeed after Botox and fillers?

Limited studies suggest the procedure isn’t harmful. But because it is still unclear whether or not Botox® toxins can spread to a nursing child through breast milk or impact unborn babies during pregnancy, we recommend avoiding Botox® therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How long after fillers can I breastfeed?

To minimize any potential risk, it’s often recommended to wait a few hours, usually between 4 to 12 hours, after getting a Botox injection before breastfeeding. This waiting period should help ensure that there’s virtually no risk of Botox affecting breast milk during nursing.

What mimics breast milk?

Infant formula attempts to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk as closely as possible, and is based on cow’s milk or soymilk.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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