BREAST PROSTHESES AND PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is a marking event in women’s life as the body undergoes many changes in different ways. Women who wish to undergo breast augmentation surgery and are planning to become pregnant or have already given birth face various problems. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and be informed about the risks associated with breast implants.
PLACING BREAST IMPLANTS BEFORE PREGNANCY
For women who wish to have breast implants before pregnancy
Please note that the procedure does not interfere with the normal course of pregnancy, since breast development is not related to breast implants.
Changes that occur in the body and skin
During this period the body will change, especially in terms of weight. In addition, the skin is affected by stretching following these changes.
The breasts increase in volume during pregnancy and gradually decrease after delivery.
Period to wait before becoming pregnant
It is advisable to wait six (6) months to one (1) year before becoming pregnant, so that the results of the operation can stabilize and complete the healing process. If a pregnancy is planned in the next few months, the surgeon will always give priority to a new pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS DURING PREGNANCY?
For pregnant women who already have breast implants
Salt water implants pose no risk to the baby. The only concern may be the change in shape and volume of the breasts during pregnancy. The implants hold the breasts in place during this period and reduce the risk of sagging after delivery.
What happens if my breasts peel?
Peeling is a rare inflammatory reaction that occurs after implant insertion and can cause hardening of the breast. If this reaction occurs during pregnancy, there is no risk to the baby. In this case, the implant is removed or replaced. However, it is never an emergency. Therefore, the decision to resume the operation is made after consultation with the surgeon and within six (6) months after delivery. In case of breastfeeding, the time limit is six (6) months after the end of the breastfeeding period.
What happens if the silicone leaks during pregnancy?
The silicone used in the new breast implants is very cohesive, so the risk of spread in case of failure is minimal. Therefore, there is no risk for either the mother or the baby.
The decision to resume the procedure is made after delivery and/or breastfeeding.
AFTER PREGNANCY WHEN PLACING PROSTHESES
For women who wish to undergo breast augmentation after giving birth
After childbirth, the shape and volume of the breasts will continue to change, depending on whether the woman is breastfeeding or not. However, skin laxity often occurs during this period, so some patients choose to have implants.
Restore the original appearance of the breast
Again, the original appearance of the breast must be restored in order to choose the appropriate implant. The latter is possible up to six (6) months after birth (depending on the quality of the skin). During lactation, the skin of the breast is not yet stable and, therefore, the placement of implants should not be considered before six (6) months have elapsed since the end of lactation.
Risks associated with prostheses made of viscous silicone gel
There are no reported or documented risks associated with prostheses made of viscous silicone gel before, during or after pregnancy.