Breast Implants & Pregnancy: 5 Things You Should Know

If you’re considering breast augmentation and wondering how they’ll affect a future pregnancy, it’s natural to have questions about how pregnancy may affect your results. From concerns about safety to possible changes in appearance, understanding how implants interact with the body during and after pregnancy can help you make informed decisions. The following information highlights essential facts every breast augmentation patient should know when thinking about pregnancy — whether it’s in the near future or further down the road. As a board-certified San Diego plastic surgeon with specialized fellowship training in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Miller can consult with you on what to expect from breast implants in relation to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and having children. 

Implants do not interfere with pregnancy.

Most breast implants are made of a soft silicone shell filled with saline water, which is harmless. Many implanted medical devices are made from this same non-reactive material. Silicone implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and composed of silicone gel encased in a silicone shell. Breast implants do not harm or pose a risk to normal pregnancy in any way.

Pregnancy does not interfere with the implants.

While pregnancy does not remove the possibility of rare events such as deflation or hardening, there are no unusual implant complications during pregnancy. While the breasts will usually increase in size during pregnancy (engorgement), this process does not involve or affect the implants themselves.

Most women can breastfeed following breast augmentation.

While some may supplement with formula, this is common in women without implants as well. If you cannot breastfeed before surgery, getting implants will not change this outcome. None of the incisions used during breast augmentation prevent breastfeeding. For those wanting to retain the ability to breastfeed, implant placement under the muscle allows for an extra layer of protection between the implants and the milk ducts. It can result in more accurate mammograms and provides a more natural look and feel.

Augmented breasts are more resistant to the loss of volume and shape that often accompany pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In these cases, the skin can be stretched while the breast tissue volume is diminished. The result is sagging with a loss of shape, as well as volume. Because the augmented breasts maintain more of their volume (the implant volume does not decrease), women with implants are less likely to see such drastic changes.

You need a qualified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has the knowledge, judgment, and experience to obtain the best possible result for your individual body type and lifestyle.

While a standard augmentation may be all that is necessary, many women need adjustments in shape as well as size. Some even require a breast lift (mini, moderate, or full). Only a surgeon with training and experience in all aspects of surgery of the breasts is qualified to assess and treat this need. Often, unqualified surgeons who are unaware or incapable of all options perform augmentation only, with no lift in sagging or improvement in poorly-supported breasts. This results in low breasts with a heavy appearance, which are both cosmetically objectionable and leave most women disappointed. Your plastic surgeon should listen to your concerns and develop an individualized plan to avoid such problems and increase the likelihood of an outstanding result.

Breast augmentation can be performed at a minimum of 6 to 12 months post-partum. 

This timeframe varies from person to person, but women are usually able to start the breast augmentation process around 6 to 12 months after they’ve given birth and/or finished breastfeeding. In order to give your body time to heal after having children, it’s generally recommended to postpone breast surgery for a few months to allow your breast tissue to stabilize and maximize the final results. From a practical standpoint, it can also be beneficial to wait until your newborn is a little older before pursuing surgery, as this allows less disruptions during the healing process. Dr. Miller can speak with you about the best timing for you based on your needs and expectations. 

Our team prioritizes open communication and transparency during your consultation so you have a strong, thorough understanding of what breast implants can realistically achieve. Please contact Dr. Scott Miller with any questions you may have.