Breast prosthesis

Although in some published series no breastfeeding problems have been found (Jewell 2019), after breast augmentation surgery with silicone or saline implants there is an increased risk of insufficient breastfeeding (Marcacine 2018), so the incidence of exclusive breastfeeding is lower ^{(Cheng 2018, Schiff 2014, Andrade 2010, Zuckerman 2010)}, which implies having competent support for breastfeeding mothers with breast implants. ^{(Roberts 2015)}

The factors involved are multiple:

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 neuro- endocrine reflex due to cutting of the lateral and medial branches of the 4th intercostal nerve in the implant by inframammary route or by cutting of the milk ducts and nerve endings of the areola-nipple complex in the implant by periareolar route. Breastfeeding is little or not affected with transaxillary and transumbilical implants.
2. Breast pain from implant pressure or capsular contracture. There is a greater risk of pain and insufficient breastfeeding with retro- glandular implants than with retro-muscular implants and with larger implants. ^{(Bompy 2019, Marcacine 2018)}
3. Possible higher incidence of true breast hypoplasia among women with breast implants.

Rare complications are galactorrhea, which is usually transient and treatable, galactoceles, rotation of the prosthesis, seroma, and excessive postpartum inflammation. ^{(Zolotykh 2019, Basile 2015, Irkoren 2013, Meggiorini 2013, Yang 2012, Ayestaray 2012, Tung 2011, Chun 2009)}

Most breast implants contain silicone, which is a polymer of silicon-oxygen-methyl atoms of high molecular weight, which makes it practically impossible for the infant to pass into milk in significant quantities as well as subsequent intestinal absorption. This makes them safe for breastfeeding even in case of breakage or manufacturing defects (Poly Implant Prothèse, PIP). After exhaustive analysis of the silicone of these prostheses, a lack of risk to health was demonstrated. ^{(SCENIHR 2013)}

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

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

Polyacrylamide hydrogel injections that have been used to increase breast volume in some countries are inadvisable because they present too many complications in and out of breastfeeding. ^{(Bourke 2018, Wang 2012, Kang 2011, Cheng 2011).}

See below the information of this related product:

• Silicone (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)