Women of childbearing age should know that they may not be able to breast feed after breast implantation. Some women who undergo breast augmentation can successfully breast feed and some cannot. Women who undergo a mastectomy will be unable to breast feed on the affected side due to loss of breast tissue and glands that produce milk.
Women with either silicone gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants showed lactation insufficiency (not enough milk) ranging from 28-64%. The periareolar approach (incision cite is around the nipple) was the factor most associated with lactation insufficiency.
Having a breast implant may also influence a woman’s decision about whether or not she will try to breast feed, particularly if she has capsular contracture or is worried about problems with the implants.