Published by Reza Nassab
Breastfeeding is an important consideration for many women planning breast augmentation. A common question I hear in clinic is: “Will I still be able to breastfeed after getting implants?”
The reassuring answer is: yes — most women with breast implants can breastfeed successfully. However, several factors influence how easy or difficult it may be. We explain what the evidence shows, which surgical techniques best preserve breast feeding ability, and what new mothers should expect.
Several large studies confirm that breastfeeding with implants is usually possible:
Around 80% of women with silicone implants and 76% with saline implants were able to breastfeed in a major cohort study.
Breastfeeding rates among women with implants are only slightly lower than the general population.
There is no evidence of harmful silicone transfer into breast milk.
Overall, the literature shows that breast implants do not prevent breastfeeding and do not pose a safety risk to babies.
Breastfeeding depends on:
Healthy glandular tissue
Uninterrupted milk ducts
Nerve supply around the nipple–areolar complex
Hormonal “let-down” reflex
Implants sit either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or behind the muscle (submuscular). In both cases, the implant does not replace or remove milk-producing tissue, so the functional parts of the breast usually remain capable of lactation.
This is one of the strongest predictors of breastfeeding success.
Inframammary fold incision (under the breast)
Transaxillary incision (through the armpit)
These avoid the nipple and areola, reducing the risk of disrupting ducts and nerves.
Periareolar incision
This involves cutting around the nipple and may interfere with:
lactiferous ducts
sensory nerves
future milk production
Studies show reduced breastfeeding success after periareolar augmentation and especially after periareolar breast lift.
There is no significant difference in overall breastfeeding ability when the implants are placed under or over the muscle. Tissue preservation techniques such as the Motiva Preserve are also likely to improve the chances of breastfeeding.
Larger implants stretch breast tissue and can increase pressure on ducts. Some women with implants above 270 ml needed medication to increase milk production in one study.
Moderate implant sizes usually interfere less with lactation.
Some women seek breast augmentation due to hypoplastic (under-developed) breasts. These breasts naturally contain less glandular tissue, meaning milk supply may be limited regardless of implants.
Multiple breast surgeries, including lifts or reductions, may increase lactation difficulties due to duct or nerve disruption.
Yes. Research consistently shows that breast milk from women with implants is safe:
Silicone levels in breast milk are no higher than in mothers without implants.
No clinical evidence suggests silicone or saline implants harm infants.
Breastfeeding and pumping do not increase the risk of implant rupture.
Most women produce normal milk volumes, but some experience:
Reduced supply
Slower let-down reflex
Need for partial supplementation
This can be due to duct compression, incision type, or pre-existing breast tissue levels.
Many women achieve full breast feeding. Others achieve partial breastfeeding with some formula supplementation — this is still a positive outcome.
Normal breastfeeding changes include:
Enlargement during pregnancy
Engorgement postpartum
Gradual deflation after breastfeeding stops
These changes occur with or without implants.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally stretch ligaments. An implant cannot prevent this, though submuscular placement may provide better long-term support.
As a consultant plastic surgeon specialising in breast surgery in Manchester, Cheshire and Dubai, I tailor the surgical plan to preserve breastfeeding potential:
This avoids the nipple and protects the ductal system.
Moderate implant sizes protect glandular tissue and sensation.
If you have hypoplastic breasts, I explain how this may affect future milk supply.
Most women breastfeed successfully — but individual anatomy and surgical choices matter. If you are also having a breast lift then there is a likelihood you may not be able to breast feed after an uplift or mastopexy.
Start breastfeeding immediately after birth – early stimulation boosts supply.
Seek help from a lactation consultant if milk supply seems low.
Monitor your baby’s weight gain to ensure feeding is adequate.
Use both breasts every feed to maximise stimulation.
Supplement if needed — partial breastfeeding is still beneficial.
Yes. Research shows silicone does not leak into breast milk at dangerous levels.
There is no evidence that breast feeding increases rupture or capsular contracture risk.
Yes, especially when the nipple-areola complex is moved via periareolar techniques. It may disrupt ducts and nerves.
Yes, many women can — but submuscular implants are more favourable for preserving ducts.
Yes, if you wish. There is no evidence that breastfeeding is unsafe for women with implants or their babies.
Most women are fully capable of breast feeding after breast augmentation, especially when surgery is performed using breast feeding-friendly techniques. Implants do not make breast milk unsafe, do not harm babies, and do not prevent milk formation in the majority of cases.
If future breast feeding is important to you, choosing the right surgeon and the right surgical plan is essential. With thoughtful planning, the vast majority of women achieve beautiful aesthetic results and preserve the ability to breastfeed.