Can I Breast Feed With Silicone Breast Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, if I get silicone breast implants will I be able to breastfeed? If I get pregnant after breast augmentation should I first check and see if the implants are ruptured before breastfeeding? If the implants are ruptured can I breastfeed or do I need to get the implants out immediately or can I let my son self wean??

A:  You taken taken the classic ‘can I breastfeed with implants’ question to every conceivable scenario. Most breast implants today are placed under the pectoralis muscle well below the glandular breast tissue. As a result there is no interference with milk production or breast feeding. If you have no symptoms suspicious of an implant rupture (pain, change in breast shape) I see no reason to get an ultrasound, mammogram or MRI before breastfeeding, In addition, the implants are contained within a surrounding scar capsule so even if there was an implant rupture there should be no silicone in the milk ducts. However, in the event that you have a rupture and are breast feeding, I would suggest that you do not breast-feed until you have had the rupture evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana