Is Breastfeeding Possible After Breast Reduction?

#breastreduction : #breastfeedingThe #nipples and some areas of the skin may be
numb or sensitive after surgery. #Sensation may return within a few weeks or
months, but may be diminished or overly sensitive.

Breast reduction may prevent your ability to #breast eed, however the newer short scar techniques that we use lessens that
risk.

Prior to any surgery women with large breasts often have trouble breastfeeding as they tend to have a low milk output.  Any surgery that causes disruption to the breast milk ducts will result in a potentially reduced ability to breast feed.

Thank you for your question. This is a common concern. The physical symptoms you describe should be addressed because they will only worsen with time. Breast reduction surgery can affect your ability to breastfeed in the future, but if you discuss that concern with your plastic surgeon, there are certain techniques that can lower the risk of disrupting the breasts' milk ducts. Good luck. 

The vast majority of patients who
undergo breast reduction surgery are able to breast feed following this
procedure.The ability to breast feed
depends upon a variety of factors.Large
studies have demonstrated that as many as twenty percent of women are unable to
breast feed even without surgery.In some patients, breast feeding can
be adversely impacted by breast reduction surgery.This appears to be related to the extent of
the surgical dissection.The more
extensive the dissection, the greater the likelihood of nerve damage, damage to
blood supply, damage to the ductal system or damage to the breast tissue
itself.In women who have previously
demonstrated an ability to breast feed, inability to breast feed would be
unusual following this type of procedure.If you’re concerned about breast feeding, it’s important to discuss this
issue with your plastic surgeon prior to breast reduction surgery.

During breast reduction surgery, when the nipple is repositioned to a higher position, some milk ducts may be cut. This means that milk production following pregnancy could be reduced. If this were the case, breastfeeding might still be possible, but it may be necessary for you to supplement with formula.However, not all women are naturally able to breastfeed, whether or not they have cosmetic breast surgery.

The answer depends on the technique, amount of breast tissue that will be removed and if you are able to breast feed (not all women are able to).

Tell your surgeon before surgery about your intention of breastfeeding. They can customize your surgery to reduce the adverse effects.

It is possible to breast feed after breast reduction.  It is dependent on many variables.  During the procedure, tissue, (with ducts) are removed.  This can decrease the ability to nurse.  Also scarring around the nipple areola complex can also be a variable.  Remember some people without any surgery will not be able to breast feed.  Every individual is different, so it is difficult to predict if you personally will be able to do this.  Best to speak with your board certified plastic surgeon.  Tell him your concerns and together you will make an appropriate decision. 

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 that the chances that you will be able to breast feed is high.
Hope that answers your questions.

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 before any surgery, and understand all of the risks involved. Moreover, a breast reduction is a great operation and should significantly alleviate the problems that you mentioned in your question. Good luck!