Can You Breastfeed with Breast Implants? 2026 Seattle Doctor Guide

Many women wonder if getting breast implants will affect their ability to breastfeed in the future. This is a very normal and important question, especially if you plan to have children later or are already pregnant.

The honest answer is that many women can breastfeed normally after breast implant surgery. Some women may notice a lower milk supply, but this does not happen to everyone. Breastfeeding with implants success depends on how the surgery was done, where the implant was placed, and how your body healed after surgery.

If you are planning pregnancy or already have implants, this latest 2026 guide explains everything about does breast implant affect breast feeding​.

How Breastfeeding Works

Your breast has three important parts:

Milk glands – These make milk.
Milk ducts – These carry milk to the nipple.
Nerves – These send signals to release milk.

When a baby suckles, nerves help release hormones that tell your body to make and release milk. If these nerves or ducts are damaged, milk supply can reduce.

Most modern implant surgeries try to avoid damaging these areas, which is why many women can breastfeed normally after implants.

Is Breastfeeding With Breast Implants Safe For Baby?

Yes — current research shows implants are generally safe for breastfeeding.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some women with implants can breastfeed successfully, while others may have lower supply depending on surgery type.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Most mothers with breast surgery can produce at least some milk

• Some may need to supplement with formula

• There are no recent reports of problems in babies from silicone implants

Research also shows silicone levels in breast milk are not higher in mothers with implants compared to those without.

👉 There is no strong evidence showing silicone implants harm babies during breastfeeding.

Quick Answer

Yes, many women can breastfeed after breast implants.
However, breastfeeding ability depends on:

• Implant placement (under muscle vs over muscle)

• Incision location (around nipple vs under breast fold)

• Nerve and duct preservation during surgery

• Individual healing and anatomy

Some women produce full milk supply. Others produce partial supply and supplement.

Research shows no clear evidence that implants harm babies through breast milk.

Can Breast Implants Affect Milk Supply?

Breast implants can sometimes affect milk supply, but not always. It mostly depends on how the surgery was performed.

If the incision was made around the nipple area, there is a higher chance that nerves or milk ducts could be affected. If the incision was made under the breast fold or in the armpit, the risk is usually lower.

Implant placement also matters. When implants are placed under the chest muscle, they usually have less effect on milk production. When placed over the muscle, there may be slightly higher chances of milk supply changes.

Healing is also very important. If nerves heal well after surgery, milk production often works normally.

Breastfeeding Success After Breast Augmentation

Many women with breast implants are able to breastfeed successfully. Some women produce full milk supply, while some produce partial supply and use formula along with breastfeeding. A smaller number of women may have low supply.

Every body is different, so results can vary. Having implants does not automatically mean you cannot breastfeed.

When Milk Supply May Be Lower

There may be a higher chance of lower milk supply if surgery was done through the nipple area, if very large implants stretched the breast tissue a lot, or if you had multiple breast surgeries.

Even in these cases, some women can still breastfeed partially or fully.

Silicone vs Saline Implants and Breastfeeding

Both silicone and saline implants are considered safe for breastfeeding. Silicone implants are more common today and feel more natural. Saline implants contain sterile salt water and are also safe.

Research shows breastfeeding success is similar with both types.

Tips to Improve Milk Supply After Breast Implants

If you already have breast implants and want to breastfeed, there are many ways to help improve milk supply. Starting breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth helps signal your body to produce milk. Feeding or pumping frequently during the first few weeks is also very important because milk production works on a supply-and-demand system.

Skin-to-skin contact with your baby helps hormone release that supports milk production. Making sure your baby is latching correctly can also improve milk flow and prevent pain.

Doctors and surgeons often recommend working with a lactation consultant early if you have implants. Early support can make a big difference in breastfeeding success, even if you produce partial milk supply.

Many patients research surgeons using trusted medical platforms like RealSelf and U.S. News & World Report, where surgeon credentials, patient feedback, and professional listings help patients make informed decisions about their care.

What If You Want Breast Implants But Plan To Have Kids Later?

If you want breast implants but also want children in the future, planning ahead is very important. During consultation, surgeons can choose surgical methods that are more breastfeeding-friendly. This may include placing implants under the chest muscle instead of over it, avoiding incisions around the nipple area, and carefully protecting nerves and milk ducts.

Modern cosmetic surgery focuses more than ever on long-term outcomes, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. Surgeons who perform a high volume of breast procedures usually discuss pregnancy plans before surgery so they can design the safest surgical plan possible.

Board-certified cosmetic surgeons trained in both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques often use surgical approaches designed to preserve breast function whenever possible.

Support Available for Moms With Implants in Seattle

Mothers who live in the Seattle area usually have access to strong breastfeeding support systems. Many hospitals offer lactation teams that help new mothers learn feeding techniques. Private lactation consultants are also widely available, along with breastfeeding education classes and postpartum care programs.

This type of support is very helpful, especially for mothers with implants who may need extra guidance with milk supply or baby latch. Access to professional breastfeeding support often improves breastfeeding outcomes, even if milk supply is not perfect at the start.

When You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Breastfeeding Risks

Some women should have detailed breastfeeding discussions with their doctor before surgery or pregnancy. This is especially important if you previously had nipple surgery, breast reduction surgery, multiple breast surgeries, or if you lost nipple sensation after surgery.

These situations can sometimes affect nerves or milk ducts more than standard breast augmentation surgery. However, even in these cases, breastfeeding may still be possible, and doctors can help you plan ahead and set realistic expectations.

Why Surgeon Credentials Matter

Choosing a qualified surgeon is very important for both cosmetic results and long-term breast function. Surgeons with board certification and advanced surgical training typically follow strict safety and technique standards.

For example, Dr. Jonov has extensive surgical training, including oral and maxillofacial surgery training, general surgery experience, and cosmetic surgery fellowships. He also serves in teaching and academic roles and maintains board certifications in cosmetic and oral/maxillofacial surgery.

He has also been involved in teaching advanced injection and cosmetic techniques to other physicians, which reflects peer recognition in the cosmetic surgery field.

Breastfeeding Tips If You Already Have Implants

If you have implants and just had a baby, feeding often is very important. Feeding or pumping every few hours helps tell your body to make more milk. Drinking enough water and eating healthy food also helps milk production.

Getting help from a lactation consultant early can make a big difference.

Thinking About Breast Augmentation and Future Pregnancy?

If you are planning breast augmentation and want children later, talk with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Jonov who understands long-term breast function.

At practices like Seattle Plastic Surgery, surgeons often discuss future pregnancy and breastfeeding before surgery so patients can make informed choices.

FAQs

Can you breastfeed with breast implants?

Yes, many women can breastfeed after implants, but milk supply can vary.

Do breast implants reduce milk supply?

Sometimes. Risk is higher if nerves/ducts were affected, or if implants sit over the muscle.

Is breastfeeding safe with silicone implants?

Current research shows no strong evidence that silicone implants harm babies through breast milk.

Is saline safer than silicone for breastfeeding?

Both are considered safe; breastfeeding success is similar with either type.

What incision is best if I want to breastfeed later?

Incisions under the breast fold or in the armpit often have lower risk than around the nipple.

Does implant placement matter for breastfeeding?

Yes. Under-the-muscle placement usually affects milk production less than over-the-muscle.

Can I breastfeed if I have numb nipples after surgery?

You may still be able to, but reduced sensation can sometimes affect milk let-down. A doctor or lactation consultant can help.

How can I increase milk supply with implants?

Feed/pump often, start early after birth, ensure a deep latch, do skin-to-skin, and get lactation support quickly.

Will breastfeeding ruin my breast implants?

Breastfeeding doesn’t “ruin” implants, but pregnancy and breastfeeding can change natural breast tissue and skin.

Should I tell my surgeon I want kids later?

Yes. Planning ahead helps the surgeon choose breastfeeding-friendly techniques.