Introduction: Breastfeeding problems after augmentation mammaplasty, such as insufficient lactation, have been reported.

Method: The breastfeeding success of women who had augmentation with saline implants and had a live birth subsequent to their surgery (n=107) was compared to that of women of similar age who had hypoplastic breasts and had children before their consultation (n=105).  A trained female interviewer used a standardized questionnaire to collect data on demographics and breastfeeding success.  Patient information requested included age, location of breast incision, presence of normal nipple sensation (as judged by patient), whether breastfeeding was attempted, if it was successful, and the need to supplement with formula.  For our study a period of two weeks or more was chosen as the defining duration of a successful breastfeeding attempt.  Those individuals judged to be able to breastfeed were further classified on the basis of having breastfed exclusively or with supplementation.

Results: The groups were not significantly different in age (22±7 vs. 23±5).  There was, however, a significant difference (p<0.05) between the control and study group in the breastfeeding success and need to supplement feedings.  Successful breastfeeding occurred in 88% of the control and 63% of the study group.  A need to supplement breast feeding occurred in 27% of the control group, but increased to 46% in the study group.  No significant difference (p>0.05) was found in the breastfeeding experience between periareolar and inframammary approaches.  Loss of nipple sensation after augmentation mammaplasty was reported by 2% of both the periareolar and inframammary subgroups.

Conclusion: The success rate of breastfeeding decreases about 25% and the need to supplement breastfeeding increases 19% in young women with hypoplastic breasts following augmentation mammaplasty.