Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. It is the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the United States. Every year more than 300,000 breast augmentations are performed within the United States.
If you are considering breast augmentation, it is normal to have questions. One of the most popular questions that women ask when considering breast augmentation is whether it is okay to get breast augmentation before having kids. Dr. Gregory Dumanian is a leading Chicago-based plastic surgeon. Here, he answers commonly asked questions by those considering breast augmentation before having kids.
Do Breast Implants Affect Fertility?
There is currently no evidence suggesting that breast implants affect fertility. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “there is no evidence that suggests untoward effects of silicone gel-filled breast implants on pregnancy or fertility.” If you have additional questions about fertility, you should discuss them with your doctor or a fertility specialist.
Do Breast Implants Affect Breastfeeding?
There are a number of factors that impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed. Most women are able to breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation. According to the FDA, “current evidence does not support an association between mothers with breast implants and difficulty with breastfeeding.”
The CDC does caution that breast augmentation does “have the potential to affect the nerves and ducts within the breast, thus impacting lactation.” If you have concerns about breastfeeding and/or lactation after breast augmentation you should talk to your plastic surgeon. Dr. Dumanian can advise you regarding the best implant type, implant placement and incision for breastfeeding. He will mention that if the potential of breast-feeding is important to you, then you should not have a breast augmentation.
Will Pregnancy Affect Breast Augmentation Results?
During and after pregnancy, a woman’s body will change. One change that women tend to notice is the size, shape and position of their breasts. These changes can occur even if a woman has had breast augmentation. Breasts swell during the state of pregnancy and lactation. This swelling can stretch the skin. After pregnancy, the breast gland can shrink a little. Most women are still satisfied with their breast augmentation results. However, if you are sure that you are going to become pregnant in the near future, then you should consider seeing Dr. Dumanian when you are done having children.
Will Breast Implants Affect the Baby?
Breast implants do not affect pregnancy and there is no evidence to suggest that breast implants affect the health of a baby. If you have a specific concern about breast implants and pregnancy, you should ask your physician.
When Is the Right Time for Breast Augmentation?
There is no right or wrong time for breast augmentation. Whether you get breast augmentation now or after you have kids is entirely up to you and your plastic surgeon.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have questions about breast augmentation, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Dumanian at Northwestern Plastic Surgery. Call his Chicago office at (312) 694-2428 to set up an appointment.