Common misconceptions should not influence the decision to have breast augmentation, says Atlanta breast augmentation specialist
ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — When considering breast augmentation, one of the common concerns that young women have is what effect pregnancy may have on the results of the procedure or on their ability to breastfeed after the surgery. Dr. David Brothers, a board certified plastic surgeon, explores several misconceptions about the relationship between breast implants, pregnancy, and nursing.
"Women often come to me with questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding when they are considering breast augmentation," says Dr. Brothers, a board certified plastic surgeon. "They are comforted to hear the facts because many of them are interested in having children later in life."
Here are several common concerns related to breast implants from women who plan on becoming pregnant:
Myth #1: Implants will affect the ability to breastfeed.
Under normal circumstances, the presence of breast implants does not interfere with breastfeeding. There are several possible incision sites for a breast augmentation, and most of them avoid the milk ducts entirely. The implants themselves are situated under the breast gland, whether they are placed above or under the pectoralis muscle. Dr. Brothers recommends that a woman discuss pregnancy plans with her plastic surgeon so the appropriate surgical approach can be utilized.
Myth #2: The material in breast implants is harmful to a nursing baby.
A number of studies have shown that the presence of breast implants does not have any adverse affect on the breast milk itself. One notable study indicated that commercial formula contains more silicone than breast milk from a woman with silicone gel implants.
Breastfeeding is so important to the health of a baby that doctors encourage women to breastfeed their babies if possible, although Dr. Brothers notes that there is always a percentage of women who are unable to breastfeed whether they have implants or not.
Myth #3: Breastfeeding will make augmented breasts sag.
According to a study released in October 2013 by Dr. Norma Cruz of University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, the presence of implants does not increase sagging in breastfeeding women. The study included 120 women with implants: 57 breastfed for more than six months and 62 did not breastfeed. Measurements were taken before and after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and there were no significant changes in measurements or in sagging between women who did or didn't breastfeed. The major cause of breast sagging after pregnancy is believed to be decreased hormone levels and is unrelated to the presence of implants.
"This study confirms what cosmetic surgeons have long suspected," says Dr. Brothers. "This is good news for women with implants who wish to nurse."
Dispelling these myths about breast augmentation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding should allow a woman to proceed with breast enhancement surgery with confidence, says Dr. Brothers. He reiterates the importance of discussing future pregnancy plans during the pre-surgical consultation with a plastic surgeon.
About Dr. David B. Brothers: Plastic surgeon Dr. David B. Brothers is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also the developer of Le Mystere no. 9, a patented collection of bras designed specifically for augmented women. He practices at the Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta, 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia, 30342. Reach him at (404) 257-9888 or www.pscatlanta.com.
Media Contact: Dr. David B. Brothers, (404) 257-9888 or www.pscatlanta.com