Myth Busters: Is Breastfeeding with Silicone Breast Implants Harmful to Baby?

We had an interesting Facebook Poll last week: “True or False – Breast milk from women with silicone implants contain higher than average levels of silicone than women without implants.”

All respondents who answered “false” were correct. According to numerous studies (including this one by the Institute of Medicine), there is no evidence of elevated silicone levels in milk from mothers with silicone breast implants. There were no differences found in silicone levels of both the milk and blood of nursing women with or without implants. In fact, much higher levels of silicon (which is derived from silicone) have been commonly found in infant formula and cow’s milk.

But what about leakage from an implant rupture? There are two reasons why this shouldn’t be a concern.

First, silicone breast implants are very durable and highly tested to meet the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Silicone implants have an outer covering, or shell, that is designed to withstand an extreme amount of force (there are videos of people standing on and hammering implants without rupture).

Second, the FDA has conducted many studies on silicone exposure without any documentation of harmful effects. This is good as the average human is exposed to silicone every day; you can find silicone in medicine, food (via food processing), cleaning products, antiperspirants, and hair/skin products.

So fear not mothers with silicone implants, there is no potential for detrimental effects stemming from your implants.

A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.