Silicone implants are compatible with breastfeeding.

The real problem lies with the placement of the implants and with the
reasons for getting the implants.

Most surgeons place the implant above or below the pectoral muscle, avoiding
the breast tissue.  For preserving breastfeeding function and avoiding
problems, the implant is best placed under the pectoral muscle.  This
information would be obtainable from the operative record.

There are some women who do not develop breasts with puberty i.e. glandular
agenesis. Other women have only one breast which develops properly, as in
Poland's syndrome (1).  These woman have problems with milk supply and the
babies must be watched carefully.

Still, the majority of our patients receive implants for cosmetic reasons.
These woman should be able to fully lactate.

1.  Poland's syndrome:  also known as pectoralis muscle deficiency -
syndactyly (webbing of fingers).
Poland's syndrome occurs in 10% of patients with syndactyly.    Patient
cannot draw arm of affected side across the chest. Patients have syndactyly
associated with same side absence of sternal head of pectoralis major.  In
affected women, there can be an asymmetry of breasts, and an absence of the
nipple on affected side and patchy axillary hair.  The cause is unknown and
it occasionally occurs in successive generations in an autosomal dominant
inheritance pattern.

Shirley Gross..... from where the snow is finally melting!!!
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M. Shirley Gross M.D.,C.M., C.C.F.P.
Director, Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic
Assistant Clinical Professor
Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and of Family Medicine
University of Alberta, Canada

16729 - 100 St.
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5X 3Z9
ph. (403) 456-9565  fax. (403) 478-7796  email [log in to unmask]
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