Is breastfeeding possible after breast reduction?

I am 20 years old and I have 38DD breasts. I would love to get a breast reduction because as long as I can remember I have had back, neck and knee problems. I have horrible posture and running and exercising is difficult because my breasts get in the way. If I have the breast reduction done, will I still be able tp breast feed in the future?

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11 answers to “Is breastfeeding possible after...”

A: Breast feeding, lactation, or nursing after breast reduction

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

This depends upon the technique and the treatment of the nipple and areolar complex. If you want a yes or no answer, then one must respond that you may not be able to breast feed. However, if you are undergoing a modest reduction and the integrity of the breast ducts and the sensation remain intact, then... more

A: breastfeeding usually possible after reduction

By Richard Baxter, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breastfeeding has a number of benefits so you are right to ask the question. Unfortunately there is no simple answer, because not every woman can successfully breast feed whether or not they have had surgery. However, using the most common techniques for breast reduction, most of the studies confirm that... more

A: Breast feeding after reduction

By Donald Kress, MD - Frederick Plastic Surgeon

It sounds as though you would require a fairly significant reduction procedure. Traditional thinking is that breast feeding after such a procedure is not a good idea since there is a lot of internal damage to the milk apparatus. The human body can be an amazing thing and there are numerous reports of women... more

A: Breast reduction will most likely reduce your ability to breastfeed

By Peter E. Johnson, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction will most certainly impact future breast feeding as the bulk of the glandular and ductal tissue is removed to reduce the volume and weight of the breast. Most often the breast tissue right under the nipple is preserved to help maintain breast shape and nipple sensation. Even after reduction... more

A: Post-reduction breast-feeding

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Depending on the technique, reduction mammaplasty should not appreciably affect the ability to breast-feed. Even when the ducts are cut, the ability to breast-feed is retained in the majority of patients. Of course, there are patients who are unable to breast-feed adequately even without a reduction due to... more

A: Breast feeding after a breast reduction

By Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD - Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

You bring up a very good question, and the answer is that you should be able to breast feed, but you'll most likely need to supplement with formula. Currently, about 50% of women who have a breast reduction can breastfeed without supplementation. Make sure you go over this with your plastic surgeon... more

A: Breast reduction does not affect breast feeding.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi! This is very good news, and frankly a little surprising. A recent large study from Puerto Rico showed that breast reduction does not interfere with breast feeding. 30% of women with very large breasts are not able to breast feed, but this is true regardless of whether they have breast reduction... more

A: Can I breast feed after a breast reduction?

By Sirish Maddali, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction surgery does decrease the ability to breast feed post operatively. That does not mean that it is not possible. A reduction procedure will remove a substantial amount of breast tissue and move the nipple/areolar complex to a more desirable location. After a reduction procedure, you... more

A: You will typically be able to breast feed after reduction

By Sutton Graham II, MD - Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Kdaniels39: Most breast reduction methods for a patient like you describe will leave the ducts intact and connected to the nipple. There is much less breast tissue, but enough to provide breast milk. In spite of conservative surgical techniques and intact duct anatomy, some patients are unable to breast-feed... more

A: Breast Reduction and Breast Feeding

By Farbod Esmailian, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

The chances of you being able to breast feed without any surgery at this point is around 70%. After a breast reduction your chances are slightly decreased but not by much. Now if you tell me that you have breast fed in the past and you are thinking about having a breast reduction, then I would say... more

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New York City - Breast feeding after breast reduction