If you are considering getting breast augmentation to finally have the body that you've always dreamed about, you may be wondering what the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding will have on the implants. This article will help you know what to expect if you decide to get implants before having children and how implants react to pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

While some women may have difficulty breastfeeding due to nerve damage, most women should be able to produce adequate supplies of breast milk with an implant in place. If not enough milk is being produced, formula can help supplement the body's natural supply.

Silicone implants were banned between 1992 and 2006 but have been determined to be safe and are now more popular than ever. But the type of implant is less likely to affect your ability to breastfeed than the type of incision that was used to place the implant. Incisions that go in through the areola, referred to as the periareolar technique, may result in less visible scarring but can lead to nerve damage that makes milk production much less likely.

If the surgeon goes in through the armpit, known as the transaxillary technique, or underneath the breast, known as the inframammary technique, the milk ducts are much more likely to remain viable for breastfeeding. And the good news is that if you do choose to breastfeed, you are not any more likely to have sagging than if you chose to use formula.

Breast size during and after pregnancy with implants

During Pregnancy

The implant itself will not be affected by pregnancy, but the breast tissue around the implant will increase in size. With or without implants, your breasts will increase in size by about 3/4 of a pound.

After Pregnancy

You may find that your breasts are at their largest during breastfeeding rather than during your pregnancy itself. There may be some sagging after the pregnancy but this can be corrected by a breast lift. But don't let worries about sagging deter you from getting implants if children are in your future. For most women with implants, sagging won't be an issue. 

If you are thinking about getting implants and plan on having children someday down the road, your chances of having breasts that behave the same way as breasts that do not have implants are very high. Discuss with your surgeon if being able to breastfeed is important to you before you get implants.