Breast implants

Although in some published series no breastfeeding problems have been found ^{(Jewell 2019)}, after a surgery for augmentation mammoplasty there is a higher risk for lactation failure ^{(Marcacine 2018)} with a lower incidence of exclusive breastfeeding ^{(Cheng 2018, Schiff 2014, Andrade 2010, Zuckerman 2010)} and an increased need of effective support among women who are carriers of breast implants.^{(Roberts 2015)}

Involved factors are many:

1. Type of surgery. There may be a decrease in milk production due to loss of sensitivity and erectile capacity of the areola-nipple and interruption of the neuro-endocrine reflex due to section of the lateral and medial branches of the 4th-intercostal nerve in the inframammary implant or by section of milk ducts and nerve endings of the areola-nipple complex in the periareolar implant. Lactation is little or not affected with implants performed by the transaxillary and transumbilical route.
2. Pain of the breast due to pressure from the implant or contraction of the capsule.
3. Possibly, higher incidence of mammary hypoplasia among women with breast implants. There is a higher risk of breastfeeding problems with retro-glandular implants than with retro-muscular implants. ^{(Bompy 2019, Marcacine 2018)}

Rare complications are: galactorrhea that is usually treatable and transient, galactocele, prosthesis rotation, seroma and excessive inflammation in the post-natal period.^{(Zolotykh 2019, Basile 2015, Irkoren 2013, Meggiorini 2013, Yang 2012, Ayestaray 2012, Tung 2011, Chun 2009)}

The majority of breast implants contain silicone, which is a polymer made out of silicon-oxygen-methyl combination with a high molecular weight, which makes it practically impossible both to pass into milk in significant quantity and subsequent intestinal absorption by the infant. Those circumstances make silicone implants safe for lactation even if broken or manufacturing fault (Poly Implant Prothèse, PIP). After extensive analysis of such silicone prosthesis, lack of health risk was demonstrated.^{(SCENIHR 2013)}

Silicon levels in blood and milk of women with implants, 55 ng / ml, are similar to those of women without implants, 51 ng / ml, 13 times lower than that found in cow's milk, 709 ng / ml, and 80 times lower than in commercial infant formulas, 4403 ng / ml.^{(Semple 2007 y 1998)}

There is no evidence of toxic effects in the infant secondary to the mother wearing a silicone, saline or breast implant.^{(Preevid 2010)}

Injections with Polyacrylamide hydrogel that are used for augmentation of the breast volume have been discouraged in many countries, because they are too often related to complications while breastfeeding or not. ^{(Bourke 2018, Wang 2012, Kang 2011, Cheng 2011)}

See below the information of this related product:

• Silicone ( Safe. Compatible. Minimal risk for breastfeeding and infant.)