How Soon After Breastfeeding Can I Get Breast Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like some information about breast augmentation re: price of inital consultation and surgery fees. Also, I am currently breastfeeding but am weaning and plan to be done within the next week or two. I would have to have the surgery between the end of March or before mid April due to when I can take vacation from work. How long does the surgeon require to be done breastfeeding before doing the surgery? I’ve researched and it looks like a lot say a minimum of 6 weeks? Thank you for your time.

A: The issue of when to undergo breast augmentation after breastfeeding is a relatively common question and there is no real exact timetable. Delaying having breast implants placed until after breastfeeding is based on having a non-engorged breast (so one can estimate breast implant size better) and having an increased risk of infection due to breast milk leaking onto the surgical field. Thus the key questions are how quickly does the breast deflate and assume its normal deflated size and when does the milk production dry up. Once can see that will vary tremendously for many women. I feel that breast size reduction is more important than absolute cessation of milk production, since I do not use nipple incisions and the nipples can be covered with sterile shields (dressings) during surgery. Therefore, I do find the general estimate of six weeks after breastfeeding to be a reasonable schedule to undergo breast augmentation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana