Should Implants Be Removed Before Pregnancy?

As a pregnant women, there are likely so many thoughts running through your mind before delivery. Will the baby be healthy? Will I be okay? And then there’s the eventual joy of the birth and the bonding that comes with the first breastfeed. If you have breast implants, you may be worrying about the many myths on whether or not you can breastfeed with implants. Also, will pregnancy affect your implants? Should you undergo breast implant removal? . Learn more about how pregnancy can affect your breast implants.

Do Breast Implants Affect Breastfeeding?

When placed correctly, implants are placed between the chest wall and the breast tissue. This helps to prevent any interference with the mammary glands that produce milk. Even during breast augmentation, enough tissue can be left to allow for milk production so a woman can breastfeed her new baby without worry that her implants are negatively affecting her breast feeding experience.

Can Pregnancy Affect the Integrity of Implants?

Pregnancy should not affect the integrity of implants themselves. However, depending on weight gained during pregnancy and the rate at which the weight is gained, there may be a residual effect on the implants. Every woman’s body is different, so there may be slight changes in the appearance of the breasts, but some women have reported a more natural appearance after pregnancy.

Women Have Different Pregnancy Experiences

As mentioned before, every woman is different, so every pregnancy journey will be different. While some women may gain weight slowly and steadily, others may gain weight and/or lose within a short period.  Either way removing your implants before pregnancy should not be a concern. Instead, importance should be placed on practicing healthy habits for both mom and baby during the pregnancy. Eating healthy foods and exercising when comfortable will help maintain weight goals your obstetrician recommends. Staying healthy will work toward maintaining the shape and contour of your chest.

If you currently have breast implants and have any questions about how pregnancy could affect them, reach out to William Franckle, MD, FACS for personalized guidance and sound advice. Dr. Franckle is a board-certified plastic surgeon who helps women in Voorhees, NJ achieve their cosmetic goals. Contact us today to learn more about breast augmentation and implants.