Silicone Breast Implants and BreastfeedingSilicone Breast Implants and Breastfeeding Studies
In an exhaustive study on the safety of silicone as an implant material, a 13 member committee from the National Institute of Health’s Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that silicone does not pose any health risk to the developing fetus. The committee also concluded that
breastfeeding
is the very best way to nourish a newborn, regardless of breast implants. Although the mother’s
breast milk
may or may not contain trace levels of silicone, it is still a far lower concentration than in cow’s milk or commercial infant formula. The committee surmised that the passing along of valuable antibodies and specialized proteins from mother to child was the most important aspect of breastfeeding and this could not be achieved by any other substitute nutritional plan.
Silicone Breast Implants and Breastfeeding ComplicationsJust because the actual silicone does not pose a problem when it comes to breastfeeding, does not insure that the process will be complication free. Some women are left unable to breastfeed, due to surgical trauma suffered during their breast augmentation surgery. This is not reliant upon the type of implant chosen, but rather, the location of the incision and the skill and precision of the surgeon. Periareolar incisions have the highest incidence of affecting breastfeeding ability, although all incisions can do potential damage to the breast, leading to the inability to nurse a child. Women who also undergo a breast lift are far more likely to have breastfeeding difficulty, since the nipple and milk glands are often affected by this more invasive procedure.Silicone Breast Implants and Breastfeeding AdviceNursing a child is one of the most rewarding experiences for any woman. It is natural to want the very best for your baby and also to desire to be the one to provide that special sustenance for your infant. Make sure to discuss with your doctor the potential effects of silicone implants on your ability to nurse children in your future. Although some young women do not make this a priority concern, time will often change their minds, as they age and mature. Do not limit your future by any impulsive decisions in the present. Get the facts about breastfeeding with silicone breast implants and make an informed decision about breast surgery.Silicone Breast Implants and Breastfeeding to Breast Surgery 9/8/08 Revised 6/12/11 |
Breast-Plastic-Surgery.Org. No material, text or graphics may be reproduced or distributed in any form, without written permission from the author. Anyone who infringes on this copyright will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.