Your chances of successful breast feeding are somewhat reduced.

George J. Beraka, MD answers: Is it possible to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?

I have successfully breastfed 4 children in the past. Two years ago I had a breast lift and augmentation. Now, I am unexpectedly expecting and would love to be able to breast feed this new baby. What are my chances?


George J. Beraka, MD
8 months ago

Hi! By all means try, but recent studies show that women who have had breast augmentation are less able to breast feed. Breast lift alone has no effect on breast feeding.

A: Breast feeding after a breast lift

Barry H. Dolich, MD
8 months ago

In my experience (over 30 yrs) with both breast lifts and reductions, the occasional patient has been able to breast feed successfully.

A lift (mastopexy) will usually leave more ductal tissue entact, BUT this is not necessarily a guarantee of successful lactation and feeding.

A: It all depends

Robert M. Freund, MD
8 months ago

Different techniques have a different chance of breastfeeding. Some techniques damage the breast ducts (the tubes that bring milk to the nipples), while others do not affect the flow or production of milk.

Regardless of the procedure performed, I advise against breast feeding if you have lost sensation in your nipple. This problem would put you at risk for developing a mastitis. If you do have decreased sensation in one or both breasts, you can pump the milk and then feed it to the baby. This way, your baby and you both get the benefits without the risks of breastfeeding.

Congratulations on your new arrival.

A: You have a good chance of breast feeding

David Shafer, MD
8 months ago

You have a good chance of breast feeding. However, there are many factors that you have to consider. First, it depends on the type of life you had. Second, it also depends on the tissue that was removed. However, if most cases, patient are still able to breast feed without a problem. Good luck.

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