Breast prostheses and pregnancy
Pregnancy is a marking event in women’s life as the body undergoes many changes in different ways. Women wishing to have breast implants and planning to get pregnant or have already given birth are plagued by several issues. For this reason, we should be aware and informed of the risks posed by breast prostheses.
PLACING BREAST IMPLANTS BEFORE PREGNANCY
For women who want to have breast implants before getting pregnant: :Note that the procedure does not affect the course of a normal pregnancy as breasts evolve independently of breast implants. However, the body changes during this period, especially in terms of weight. Also, the skin is subjected to stretching after these changes. The breast volume increases throughout pregnancy and deflate gradually after childbirth.
It is then better to wait between six (6) months and one (1) year prior to pregnancy to allow time for the result of the procedure to stabilize and for the healing process to finish. If pregnancy is planned for the upcoming months, the surgeon will always give priority to the new pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS DURING PREGNANCY
For pregnant women who already have breast implants:Saline implants pose no risk to the baby. The only concern may be the change in the shape and volume of the breasts during pregnancy. Prostheses keep breasts in place during this period and will reduce the risk of ptosis after childbirth.
What if breasts shell? The hull is a rare inflammatory reaction that occurs following implant placement and can cause the hardening of breasts. If this reaction occurs during pregnancy, know that there is no risk to the baby. In this case, prostheses will be removed or possibly changed. But, this is by no means an emergency. Therefore, the decision to resume the procedure is done in agreement with the surgeon and within six (6) months after delivery. In case of breastfeeding, it will be six (6) months after the end of it.
What if silicone leakage occurs during pregnancy? The silicone used in new breast implants is very cohesive and in case of failure, spread risk is thereby minimised. Therefore, there is no risk for both the mother and the baby. The decision to resume the procedure will be taken after childbirth and or breastfeeding.
AFTER PREGNANCY WHEN PLACING PROSTHESES
For women who want to get breast implants after childbirth:After delivery, breasts will continue to change in shape and volume, depending on whether the woman is breastfeeding or not. Regardless of the latter, sagging skin often appears during this period that some patients decide to get implants.
Again, the chest has to resume its original appearance in order to choose the right prosthesis. The latter becomes possible six (6) months after delivery (depending on the quality of the skin). When breastfeeding, the breast glandular base is not yet stabilized and it will take (six) 6 months after lactation stops to consider placing implants. No risk was reported or shown to prosthetics in cohesive silicone gel neither before, nor during or after pregnancy.
