Having breast implants does not stop you getting pregnant and is not known to harm a developing baby. Many women with implants breastfeed successfully, although the incision site and placement can have an influence. Pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally change breast size, shape and skin, so the appearance of augmented breasts may change afterwards, and some women choose further surgery once their family is complete.
Getting pregnant with implants
Implants sit behind the breast tissue or muscle and do not affect fertility, hormones or the pregnancy itself. There is no need to have implants removed before trying for a baby. You should, however, avoid having breast surgery while pregnant, and it is usually recommended to wait until any planned surgery has fully healed before conceiving. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, it is worth discussing timing at consultation.
How pregnancy changes augmented breasts
- Growth: breast tissue enlarges during pregnancy and may stretch the skin.
- Tenderness: breasts can feel fuller and more sensitive, which is normal.
- Stretch marks: rapid growth can cause stretch marks, with or without implants.
- After pregnancy: breast tissue often shrinks back, sometimes to less than before, leaving the skin looser and the breast lower.
The implant itself does not change size, but the tissue around it does, so the overall look can alter.
Breastfeeding with implants
Most women with implants are able to breastfeed. An incision in the fold beneath the breast avoids cutting through milk ducts, and placement behind the muscle or breast tissue leaves the glandular tissue largely undisturbed. An incision around the areola may carry a slightly greater chance of affecting milk supply or nipple sensation. Some women produce less milk regardless of implants, and underdeveloped breasts, such as tuberous breasts, may have less glandular tissue to begin with. Silicone implants are not considered a reason to avoid breastfeeding.
Breast problems during pregnancy
Mastitis and blocked ducts can occur whether or not you have implants. Contact your midwife or GP promptly if you develop a hot, red, painful area of the breast with fever. If one breast swells rapidly or changes shape suddenly at any time after augmentation, contact your surgical team urgently. A new lump should always be checked; ultrasound is safe in pregnancy and can assess both the breast and the implant.
Timing surgery around a family
There is no single right answer. Some women prefer to have augmentation before children and accept that they may want further surgery later; others wait until their family is complete. If you are considering surgery after having a baby, it is sensible to wait until you have finished breastfeeding and allowed several months for the breasts to settle, which gives a more reliable picture of your size and skin quality. Our guide to who is a good candidate for breast augmentation covers timing in more detail.
Options after pregnancy
- Implant exchange: a different size or profile to restore fullness; see breast implant exchange.
- Uplift with implants: where the breast has descended; see augmentation mastopexy.
- Implant removal: with or without a lift, if you no longer want implants.
- Mummy makeover: combining breast and tummy procedures; see mummy makeover.
A change of implants costs from £10,000 and from £13,500 with an uplift. The £150 consultation is separate.
Looking after yourself
Wear a comfortable, supportive bra during and after pregnancy to help reduce stretching of the tissues. Keep a copy of your implant card and share it with your midwife if asked. Continue attending breast screening appointments when invited and tell staff you have implants. If you notice a change in one breast that persists after breastfeeding has finished, such as a new lump, a change in shape or firmness, or swelling that does not settle, arrange a review with your GP or surgical team so that the breast and implant can be assessed, usually with an ultrasound scan. Cosmetic surgery is only for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can breast implants harm my baby?
There is no evidence that silicone implants harm a developing baby or a breastfed infant.
Is breastfeeding possible after augmentation?
Most women can breastfeed. Incision site and placement can influence this, and your surgeon can explain which approach best preserves breastfeeding.
Will pregnancy ruin my implants?
The implants themselves are not damaged, but the breast tissue and skin around them may change, which can alter the appearance.
How long after breastfeeding should surgery wait?
It is sensible to wait several months after stopping breastfeeding for the breasts to settle before surgery.
Are implants affected by pregnancy scans?
No. Ultrasound scans are safe with implants and can also be used to check the breasts if needed.
Related Guides
- Breast Asymmetry Correction Recovery
- Breast Asymmetry Correction: Risks and Safety
- Breast Asymmetry Correction: Questions to Ask
- Is Breast Augmentation Painful?
- The Inframammary Fold Explained
- Breast Augmentation Risks and Safety
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Breast Augmentation: Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
