It has been reported that breastfeeding problems occur in women who have breast implants.

The breastfeeding success of women who had augmentation with saline implants and subsequently had a live birth (n = 107) was compared with that of women of similar age who had hypoplastic breasts and had children before their consultation (n = 105). A self-administered 11-item questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and breastfeeding success. The information requested included age, weight, height, whether breastfeeding was attempted, if it was successful, and the need to supplement. Additional information requested from the study group included position of breast scar, implant volume, and whether loss of nipple sensation had occurred after the surgery (as judged by the patient).

The groups were not significantly different in age (22 ± 7 vs. 23 ± 5). There was, however, a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the breastfeeding success and need to supplement feedings. Successful breastfeeding occurred in 88% of the control and 63% of the study group. A need to supplement breastfeeding occurred in 27% of the control group but increased to 46% in the study group. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in the breastfeeding experience between periareolar and inframammary approaches. Loss of nipple sensation after augmentation mammaplasty was reported by 2% of both the periareolar and inframammary subgroups.

The success rate of breastfeeding decreases ∼25% and the need to supplement breastfeeding increases 19% in young women with hypoplastic breasts after augmentation mammaplasty, irrespective of whether a periareolar or inframammary approach is used.