Is Breastfeeding Possible After Breast Reduction?

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.