I Am Breastfeeding. How Long Should I Wait to Get a Reduction After I Stop?

Thank you for the question.

Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery.  Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

Ideally you will be as close as possible to your long-term stable weight and  your breasts will have reached a “steady state” after completion of lactation. For most patients  this may require 3 to 6 months after stopping breast feeding.

Best wishes.

Usually, I recommend waiting at least 6 months after you've stopped breastfeeding before pursuing any breast surgery. However, you should ask your surgeon as their guidelines may be different.

I ask my patients to have completely stopped breast feeding for at least 3 months prior to any breast surgery. If you are still having nipple discharge with minimal manipulation of your breasts, I would have you wait longer. The risk with a breast reduction is that collections of breast milk could pool in the area of surgery causing healing complications. It also allows for any contraction of your tissues to occur yielding a more predictable post-op result.

I wish you well.

Dr Edwards