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Dr. Craig Vander Kolk, Mercy Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Craig Vander Kolk, Mercy Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Discusses Breastfeeding After Breast Implants On "The Woman's Doctor"

Many women who are choosing to have breast implants shouldn't worry about breastfeeding children later in life because it's still possible.

According to Dr. Craig Vander Kolk of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Weinberg Center for Women's Health & Medicine at Mercy, said the breast implants now being used are safe so a woman can breastfeed.

Dr. Vander Kolk added that women who are concerned that the implants could leak into their breast milk should be aware that the silicone implants are leak-proof and are placed behind the breasts so they function normally.

"Not only does the silicone gel not leak with the new implants, but there's a scar tissue that forms around the implant and that actually keeps things from leaking out into the body and keeps it from coming anywhere near the breast ducts itself, and therefore the child doesn't get any silicone," Dr. Vander Kolk said.

He added that because silicone is often sprayed on the foods we eat, we all have it in our bodies. Some studies have shown that silicone can be found in the breast milk of women who don't have implants.

To learn more and to see Dr. Vander Kolk's interview on WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor," click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/21428701/detail.html