Whether it is necessary to have surgery to enlarge or adjust the breast to childbirth, and whether it can damage breastfeeding - these issues are concerned about many women. Explains the plastic surgeon Alexander Bebikh.
Despite the widespread opinion, mammoplasty - surgery for correction of the shape or size of the breast - can be done before pregnancy. In the 1960s, when such interventions were just launched, their impact on lactation has not yet been studied. Today, silicone implants are safe and the operations are significantly improved.
However, in some cases, doctors are advised to postpone the plastic before the baby is born, because during pregnancy, such interventions are absolutely impossible.
One of the most popular procedures is augmentation - breast enlargement with implants or fat transplantation. The operation lasts 1-2 hours. Although the procedure itself does not harm lactation, there may be problems if the milk ducts are damaged or too much implant is installed. This threatens milk stagnation or inflammation. To reduce the risks, experts advise to install implants under the pectoral muscle - this retains the function of the breast.
Another popular type of intervention is mastophexia or breast lift, which is often combined with implants. If the cuts pass through the areola, the nerves and milk ducts can be damaged, which will complicate lactation. Less invasive methods - for example, access through the breast - allow to maintain the possibility of breastfeeding. In some cases, women may reduce the sensitivity of the nipples, but it rarely affects the feeding process itself.
Reduction mammoplasty - breast reduction - can also affect lactation if part of the mammary glands is removed during surgery or nerves are damaged. However, while maintaining the right technique, the risks are minimal.
In general, before mammoplasty, the doctor always specifies whether the patient plans the pregnancy in the near future. If so, he advises to give birth to a baby first. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the shape and size of the breast change, so after childbirth, even implants may need correction.
Oleksandr Bebikh recommends not to rush with surgery immediately after the baby is born. It is best to wait for the lactation period. This will get a more stable and aesthetic result.
