Will I be able to breastfeed with the anchor incision?

Thanks for your question! Since the nipple and areola are staying attached to the breast tissue mound, the goal is to have a fully functional breast. Hopefully, you would be able to breastfeed in the future. Good luck!

The skin excision (lollipop vs anchor scar) will have no impact on breast feeding as this is just what is going on at the surface level above the breast tissue. The deeper tissue resection is what can affect breast feeding. While it is true that a reduction can impact breast feeding, if performed properly it should not have a major impact if the nipples, mild ducts, and immediate underlying breast tissue are left intact and connected. With a superomedial pedicle technique is used (leaving the central / upper tissue intact while removing the excess outer / lower breast tissue), breast feeding ability is usually preserved. That said, if you have never breast fed in the past and cannot in the future, it will be very difficult to know if it was just your anatomy, or damage from surgery. Statistically you should still be more likely to be able to breast feed than not after a standard breast reduction surgery. Hope that helps! -RC.

With most modern techniques of breast reduction, the ducts should be preserved as well as the sensation. Therefore, breast-feeding should be possible. Finding a comfortable position for you and the baby may take some time, but so many organizations can offer advice.

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ability to breastfeed depends of many factors. Since you did not have that experience yet, it is questionable whether you will be able to breastfeed at all? In order to preserve most of glandular tissue and connection between nipple and breast gland we use liposuction as a mayor modality in breast reduction. Female breast consists of 70-90% of fat tissue (exceptions are hard, glandular breasts, and very young, hard breasts). After liposuction, most of blood and nerve supply is preserved as well as connections between breast gland and nipple; extra skin and some breast tissue in lower pole are removed as with other techniques (we use mostly vertical type of breast reduction or other techniques as needed). So in your case, breastfeeding is going to stay an open question. Good luck.

Dear KaylaG1993,
any breast surgery can affect breastfeeding. Breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery