Breast Implant Removal Trends and the Impact on Breastfeeding

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Breast augmentation with implants is a popular surgery. However, many women decide to have their implants removed for various reasons. If you’re considering having a baby or are already pregnant, you may wonder how implant removal will impact your ability to breastfeed.

Learn why breast implant removal instances have increased over the past few years, how the surgery affects breastfeeding, what recovery looks like, and what you should do to prepare for breast implant removal.

Surge in breast implant surgeries

Breast implant removal, also known as explant, has gained in popularity in the past few years. Several celebrities have discussed having their implants removed for one reason or another. Because these famous names who are in the limelight are saying that they are going back to the way they looked before, it has other people considering the option.

The current trend is toward leaner, more athletic bodies with smaller breasts. Many women who underwent breast augmentation are now having the implants removed. They replace the implants with a breast lift, which gives them a perky look without adding to the size. These women often feel more comfortable with their natural breasts, improving their self-esteem.

Breast implant illness

For those who have been happy with their breast augmentation, they may have another reason to consider breast implant removal. Breast implant illness (BII) is a somewhat new condition that hasn’t been recognized in an official way. Women who have this condition may experience a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are directly related to the implants, such as swelling and pain. Other symptoms are more generally health-related, such as fatigue and muscle aches.

Research is limited on BII, but some studies show that women who have breast explants see a reduction or complete reversal of symptoms. The appearance of the breast isn’t affected or deformed after the removal surgery, as many have worried about. Another health concern with breast implants is breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma or BIA-ALCL. Though rare, this form of cancer is associated with textured implants.

Replacement of breast implants

Breast implants aren’t designed to last a lifetime. The average age of replacement is ten years, though many have lasted well beyond that mark. Women who need to have their implants replaced may opt to have them removed instead. Others may experience leaks or ruptures with their implants, which would require them to be replaced or removed. A microtear could turn into a leak even after just a short time. Other patients have had implants for 15 or 20 years without a single issue.

How implant removal affects breastfeeding

Breast implant removal has a much smaller impact on breastfeeding than getting breast augmentation. Breast explants require incisions near the original surgical site, but they are usually smaller. The implant is removed, and any scar tissue is broken up before the surgeon closes the incision.

If you want to remove your implants and are pregnant or planning to have a baby, you’ll want to wait between three and six months after the surgery to start breastfeeding. This time allows the breasts to heal, so you don’t experience any soreness from breastfeeding.

Breast implant removal

You’ll see a plastic surgeon for a consultation before you have your implants removed. They will tell you to stop taking certain medications and avoid anti-inflammatory drugs before the surgery. This procedure is an outpatient surgery, which takes two or three hours. It is performed with sedation and general anesthesia.

Once the surgeon makes an incision around the areola or under the breast, they remove the implant and any scar tissue. They will close the incision with stitches, tape, or skin adhesive. They may insert drainage tubes that you’ll wear for the first few days after surgery. You’ll receive instructions on caring for your incisions and restrictions on your activity. You’ll need to wear compression garments or a support bra to help reduce swelling.

Post-removal recovery

You’ll spend the first few days after surgery resting at home. You’ll be limited on your activity but encouraged to walk around and move to prevent complications or soreness. Follow all recommendations to improve the recovery process. If you’re planning to breastfeed after the surgery in the future, you should discuss this with your doctor. Breast plant removal isn’t commonly known to cause any issues with breastfeeding, but having the breast implant surgery may impact your ability.

When you have breast augmentation, you may lose some sensation in the nipple, which enhances your ability to produce milk. Larger breasts can also make it difficult for the baby to latch onto. Depending on where the incisions were made, some nerves may have been affected, which can impact your ability to produce much milk. While these issues exist, many women are still able to breastfeed after getting breast implants.

Having the implants removed won’t negatively affect your ability to breastfeed further. In some cases, it may even improve your ability to breastfeed. A prime example is with large-volume breasts. Once the implants have been removed, it may be easier for your baby to latch onto the nipple.

Schedule a consultation

If you plan to have a baby and breastfeed after having breast implants removed, you should discuss this situation with your doctor in a consultation. They will be able to tell you how long to wait to have a baby after the surgery. They can also talk to you about any concerns you may be having now if you’re currently breastfeeding.

Choose an experienced surgeon who has performed numerous breast implant removals. They can discuss the details of the surgery and put your mind at ease about breastfeeding afterward. Breastfeeding with implants is possible, and having the implants removed shouldn’t affect your baby either. The decision to have implants removed is a personal one that only you can make with the help of your surgeon.