Anchor Lift and Breast Feeding

Question

Hello! I am looking into getting a breast lift in the near future. I am 19, therefore I am very concerned about possible side effects of having a lift i.e. not being able to breast feed. I like the look a Anchor Incision breast lift gives. I also know that this is the most heavy duty type of lift. What are the chances id still be able to breast feed after an anchor lift? Are certain lifts safer in regards to being able to breast feed later on? Thank you!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question,    The Bellesoma Method is a current technique to lift breasts without using implants or the ugly vertical scars.  The incisions are hidden around the areola and in the inframammary crease. The vertical incision has been completely eliminated. The areola incision heals almost invisibly due to the fact that there is hardly any tension on the closure. With this particular technique, ducts are preserved along with nerve supply maintaining nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed. Because the breast is reshaped internally and is secured to your chest muscles, upper pole fullness is possible without an implant. Attached is a patient who underwent The Bellesoma Method. Please note that her tissue was used to create upper pole fullness and cleavage without any foreign materials (mesh, implants, etc).  It is a proprietary technique that only surgeons that have been trained by me can perform. I hope this helps. Best wishes and kind regards, Dr. Gary Horndeski

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

All of your breast feeding apparatus remains intact after most types of breast lift procedures.  It certainly should remain intact with the traditional anchor type lift.  With that in mind, you should be able to breast feed following breast lift surgery.  There is not guarantee what your breasts might look like following a future pregnancy, however.

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

Generally speaking it is possible to breast feed after a breast lift.  The lift repositions the nipple and areola without removal of tissue or ducts.  An anchor lift can be performed with skin removal and minimal chance of disruption of the breast and duct structures.

Damon Thomas, FRACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Depending on the degree of ptosis (sagging) you’re experiencing, an anchor lift may or may not be your best option. Generally, a breast lift allows for nipple sensation and the milk ducts to remain intact, so breastfeeding will most likely not be affected. However, with the weight gain and loss associated with pregnancy, you may need another lift in the future. My best advice is to schedule an appointment with a specialist plastic surgeon for a consultation, making sure you choose one with extensive experience in breast surgery. They can accurately assess your needs and offer recommendations for moving forward with your procedure. Good luck!

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello 2kittygirls,
Thanks for your questions.  Without photos it is impossible to determine, but there is a great chance that you may be a good candidate for the Bellesoma breast lift.
There is a new breast lift technique called Bellesoma that seems like it should be a great fit for you. The Bellesoma procedure lifts your breast, preserves the nipple sensation and ability to breast feed, and looks as full and perky as if an implant had been placed without using any implant.  One of the huge positives of this technique is that there is no vertical incision traveling down the front of your breasts. 
Some of the differences between Bellesoma and the traditional breast lift techniques:
-Bellesoma creates upper pole fullness that traditionally needed an implant to achieve.
-There is no vertical scar, only well-hidden scars in the fold under the breast, and around the areola.
-The breast is dynamically supported by attaching it to the muscle, so there is no recurrence of sagging expected with traditional lifts or reductions.
-The entire central portion of the breast is undisturbed, so breast feeding and nipple sensation are very unlikely to be compromised.
The procedure is accomplished by using the skin of the lower pole of the breast (the part below the nipple that sits in the bra cup) to shape the whole breast into a perky dome, then straps are made of the extra skin, anchoring it to the underlying chest muscle so that there is virtually no chance of repeat sagging.  The skin that above your nipple and below your collar bone is utilized to cover the perky, lifted dome that has been created and then a new (usually smaller) circular opening for the areola is placed at the high point of the cone, creating your new lifted, full and shapely breast.
From your description you appear to possibly be a good candidate for this new technique. I would recommend that you search for a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who offers the Bellesoma ultimate breast lift technique and schedule a consult to learn more.
Best wishes!
Dr. Brown

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is hard to predict whether or not you can breast feed because you do not have a previous "track record" of breast feeding.  In general. depending upon the techniques,  most can breast feed, although you  might need to supplement.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

...just realize, up to 40% of women have difficulty breastfeeding in the general population.  It's not as easy as it sounds.  Studies have looked at this and found no change in the success rate of breastfeeding after you have done a lift or reduction.  The nipple and its ducts are left in continuity.  My advice is to discuss lift options and techniques with your surgeon(s) and choose the one that can deliver the prettiest result.  Hope this helps!-JGH

Daniel M. Calloway, MD · Answer

Most breast lift surgeries, known as a Mastopexies, lift and contour the breast while leaving the nipple and areola attached to its underlying nerves, arteries, veins, lymphatics AND Milk ducts.  This allows normal sensation and function of the nipple/areola, including breast feeding. The type of breast lift is determined by multiple factors and can be modified based on patient specific criteria.  Consulting with a board certified Plastic Surgeon can assist you in making ideal surgical decisions to achieve your desired outcome.  Good luck with your planned surgery!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Much will depend on exactly what operation you undergo. Most patients who undergo breast lifting surgery have their nipple/areola complexes remain in communication with the underlying breast parenchymal tissue. In other words, the operation involves movement of the nipple/areola complexes upwards; the breast tissue to nipple/areola complex relationship remains intact. Therefore, the majority of patients who undergo breast lifting surgery will be able to breast-feed.My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, including your desire to breast-feed in the future. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals. You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Anchor Lift and Breast Feeding

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