Galactorrhea after
breast augmentation is a common condition, especially if the patient has just
recently been breast feeding within a few months prior to the surgery.
Galactorrhea produces a white fluid and is a condition that occurs when a
woman's breast makes milk even though she is not breast feeding a baby. The milk
may come from one or both breasts. It may leak with no stimulation or it may
leak only when the breasts are touched.
There are
many experts who believe that increased levels of "prolactin" (hormone
responsible for the stimulation of milk production) is in your body.
Prolactin is mainly produced by the pituitary gland, in which is responsible for
the secretion and regulation of several hormones of your body.
Tumors:
(normally benign) - for example,
tumors of the pituitary gland
Medication: opiates, hormones
(birth-control or estrogen replacement therapy), anti-depressants, blood
pressure medication, certain tranquilizers
Herbal
supplements: nettle, fennel,
blessed thistle, anise, and fenugreek seed
Recreational Drugs: marijuana
Pregnancy:
when you are pregnant, the body has increased levels of prolactin
Clothing: fabric that might
irritate the breast - especially if the woman is going braless
BSE -
Breast Self Exams: doing
very frequent BSE
on a daily basis
Stimulation: especially
during sexual activity
Hypothyroidism:
(under-active thyroid) - thyroid gland is what produces hormones
Galactorrhea after breast augmentation can be caused from post-operative
fibrosis and or a blockage of the mammary ducts. It is considered a mild side
effect of having breast implants and usually stops on its own. Some cases of
galactorrhea may need to be treated with medication, and extreme cases - the
removal of the implants.
Galactorrhea Signs and Symptoms:
Discharge from the nipple
that has no trace of blood - appears white, yellow or green
in coloration
Discharge from the nipple
that is spontaneous or manually expressed
