Breast surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures undertaken by women all over the world today. There are numerous reasons why women undergo this procedure, some of which are medical and others aesthetic. For instance, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer require breast surgery to remove the tumor. In other instance, women may be required to undergo breast surgery in order to increase or reduce the size of their breasts. However, if you are breastfeeding, there are several considerations you have to make before you undertake this procedure.
Will This Affect My Milk Supply?
A lot of people do not understand what goes on when a woman is undergoing breast augmentation. Most of them think the breasts are sliced into two and the implants placed inside. So, the question that is always on everybody’s mind is: Will the woman be able to produce milk anymore? The truth is that breast augmentation surgery involves an incision that is done between the breast and the chest wall, leaving the mammary glands and the ducts intact. Although some glandular tissue may be removed during breast reduction, enough tissue is left in the breast to facilitate normal milk production.
Safety of the Child
Another common question that people ask is: Will the breast implants affect the baby when breastfeeding? Some women worry that harmful chemicals from their breast implants may find their way into the breast milk. The truth is that most breast implants are set up behind the pectoral muscle, away from the breast tissue. Therefore, it is very difficult for any chemicals from the implants to enter the ducts. However, if for any reason the implants are placed above the pectoral muscle, they might affect the ducts, which transport milk to the nipple.
Type of Incision
Before you undergo breast augmentation, it is important to talk to your surgeon about the type of incision you are likely to get. This is essential because any incision made across the areola may harm the nerves and affect your milk supply. To avoid this, ask your surgeon to make the incisions under your breasts, in your armpits or in your belly button.
In summary, always let your plastic surgeon know that you are breastfeeding before you undergo breast surgery. This will help them find the safest surgical method to use on you and ensure your lactation doesn’t get affected. Also, find the most qualified plastic surgeon to do the surgery.