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Breast Implants and Pregnancy: 5 Things You Should Know

Cosmetic Surgery Breast Implants Pregnancy

By Scott Miller, MD

Published on August 09, 2007

1. Implants do not interfere with pregnancy.

Most breast implants have a soft silicone shell filled with saline water. Many implanted medical devices are made from this same nonreactive material. Breast implants do not harm or pose a risk to normal pregnancy in any way.

2. 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 (a process called engorgement), this does not involve or affect the implants themselves.

3. Most women can breast-feed following breast augmentation.

While some may supplement with formula, this is common in women without implants as well. None of the incisions commonly used prevent breast-feeding. Implant placement under the muscle allows for an extra layer of protection between the implants and the milk ducts, better mammograms, and a more natural look and feel.

4. Augmented breasts are more resistant to the loss of volume and shape that often accompanies pregnancy and breast-feeding.

In these cases, the skin can be stretched while the breast tissue volume is diminished. The result is sagging with 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.

5. You need a qualified plastic surgeon certified by the American board of Plastic Surgery, who has the knowledge, judgement, and experience necessary 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 lifting (mini, moderate, or full). Only a surgeon with training and experience in all aspects of surgery of the breast is qualified to assess and treat this need. Often, unqualified surgeons who are unaware or incapable of all options perform augmentation without a breast lift. For breasts women with sagging, poorly supported breasts, the breast augmentation procedure on its own is not enough. As a result, the breasts will have a heavy appearance and hang low. This unsatisfactory result leaves 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.

These tips were provided by Dr. Scott Miller. Dr. Miller is an attending surgeon at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California. He is a Voluntary Clinic Instructor of Plastic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego and has authored numerous articles in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Keyword Tags: breast implants, breast augmentation, pregnancy

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Comments

1

I am considering breast augmentation, I have wanted to increase the size of my breast and look after breast feeding. But, I want one more child. I want to know what the result on my implants will be. Any recomendations will be greatly appriciated.

Sarah, 2 months ago

2

I had breast augmentation booked for may of 2008. I was trying to have this surgery since April of 2007. I found out in January of 2008 that i was pregnant. Can i still have the surgery? Or do i have to wait until after i have the baby... My due date is september 14, 2008. How long do I have to wait after delievery? I really want these implants and it's now 2.5 years i've been waiting! please let me know

adriana, 2 months ago

3

Of course you have to wait. You can't be "put under" while you are pregnant. Your not even suppose to drink caffine when you pregnant let alone be put to sleep for a cosmetic surgery. Have you ever heard of a woman getting breast implants when they're 6 months pregnant??? DUH! Do some research on pregnancy and on breast implants!!

to adriana, 2 months ago

4

I had augmentation in May 2002. I'm about 4 months pregnant now, and my chest started hurting about 3 days ago. It hurts to take a deep breathe and it hurts when i cough, but it only hurts through the front of my chest area and not my ribs in the back. Is there anyway of my implants rupturing?? Will the soreness in my chest walls go away?

Carrie , about 1 month ago

5

I had breast augmentation 1/31/08. I have just found out that I am pregnant, unplanned obviously. What does this mean for the baby (as the fertility date was right before my surgery date) and for my new breasts? Any help, info, or advice would be appreciated.

hillary, about 1 month ago

6

hi, i am 18 weeks pregnant and in had breast augmentation and rhinoplasty in August last year.
I was so dissapointed with my results i am having my implants removed and nose revised next week.. There goes the theory of no general in pregnancy.
My obstetrician and anethestist are both happy for me to go ahead.

kristy, about 1 month ago

7

Hillary wrote "I had breast augmentation (date). I have just found out that I am pregnant, unplanned obviously. What does this mean for the baby (as the fertility date was right before my surgery date) and for my new breasts? Any help, info, or advice would be appreciated.
hillary, 10 days ago "

Ironically, I am in exactly the same situation as Hillary, but my date of conception was 6 weeks prior to my surgery date. (due to a very irregular cycle and polycistic ovaries I had no idea there was even a possibility of being pregnant)
Please can you provide me with an answer to the same question as I am worried about both the baby and my breasts.

Thankyou.
Becky

becky, about 1 month ago

8

Hello I am considering getting breast augmentation. I have had 4 children already. I have not ruled out 1 more. As I love all of children so much. The timing has never been better. Financially I am ready. As well as mentally. My question is if I decided to have another child in 2-3 years how would that affect my implants? I will more than likely not breastfeed. Thanks for any info you can give.

Melanie, 22 days ago

9

I spoke to my doctor about having children post-augmentation. The surgery company I was having my op with wouldn't give me a straight answer, only that "we couldn't say how your body would change with a second pregnancy, but you could always have a second augmentation/lift if needed".
My doctor said that they were just covering themselves incase they told me there'd be no change in the breast and there was. He told me that even if my breasts swelled temporarily during the post-op pregnancy, that they would always have the benefit of the implant and would never sag or lose volume as much as previously, I would always have the fullness of my new breasts, but yes, they may just 'relax' slightly. He told me to go ahead with the procedure and not worry about future pregnancies affecting me too much

Sharon

sharon, 21 days ago

10

Hi, I just found out yesterday that I am 3 weeks pregnant. I also have implants 390cc. I know my boobs will enlarge but I just don't know how big!! Is there a pill that is safe to take while pregnant to prevent engorgement?

Gina, 17 days ago

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