Can I Breast Feed After Breast Reduction Surgery?

Some women are concerned that they will not be able to breast-feed if they have breast reduction surgery. This is indeed an important question. Breast reduction essentially results in a breast lift. If you are thinking about breast reduction surgery before you have children this is a consideration. It is true that surgical reduction of the breasts can damage nerves and milk-producing ducts and glands, and make breastfeeding difficult. Many people believe it is best to not have breast reduction surgery until you have weaned your last child. There has been some research done on breastfeeding after reduction mammoplasty. The experts on lactation are in the pediatric and obstetrics fields of medicine. Several studies have been done that conclude women can breast feed after breast reduction surgery in many cases. Read what they say HERE.

There are several variables that affect the ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. One of these variables is the type of surgery performed. “The aspect of the breast reduction surgery that is most likely to affect lactation is the surgical treatment of the areola and nipple” said Diana West of La Leche. Basically, leaving the nipple attached to the breast leaves a woman with the best results in her ability to breast feed, if she had that ability to begin with. “This prevalence falls near the breastfeeding rate found in the population not having undergone breast surgery” in LEAVEN (a journal for La Leche League Leaders), Vol. 38 No. 4, August-September 2002 p. 75-79

Another factor involved in the ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery is the time between surgery and pregnancy. Women who had breast reduction surgery five or more years before attempting to breast feed had a greater success rate, even when other surgical techniques (medial pedicle technique, sometimes even after the nipple free graft technique) were used. The longer the time span between the surgery and pregnancy, the better. This is because of “recanalization” and “reinnervation.” Recanalization is the process of breast tissue regrowing and reconnecting the severed ducts. Reinnervation is the process of the nerves that lead to the nipple healing, regenerating. The nerves are as important for breastfeeding as the milk ducts because they convey information that triggers the physiological process.

If you are intent on breastfeeding, and you feel you need breast reduction surgery, I would suggest you consider waiting. Pregnancy and nursing changes the breast quite bit anyway. I personally believe a better result is achieved with a supero medial pedicle procedure and do not advise breast reduction surgery if you are intent on breast feeding. Have your children first and then have your surgery. However, advanced pedicle techniques, over the last decade, often protect the nipples’ sensation and lactation. If you have had a breast reduction in the past, you most likely will be able to breastfeed. If you need help or support, you can talk to a lactation expert your Ob/Gyn can refer you to. I want to keep my patients informed about breast reduction at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up your consultation with me. 501-277-0707