Capsular contracture. Do I need to stop breastfeeding on BOTH breasts, if only repairing one?

Question

I am currently breastfeeding my 3 month old preemie, I'm sure you could understand I would love to continue to breast feed her. I have capsular contracture in my right breast and am looking at repairing it. Why is my doctor saying I need to let BOTH breasts dry up if only operating on one? He doesn't really have an answer and I need to know if this is MEDICALLY necessary or if it's just because the appearance of the breasts could be altered? Thank you!

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) While you are breastfeeding, your breasts have a different size and shape compared to when you're not breastfeeding. Letting your breasts "dry up" allows them to return to their normal size and shape and allows your plastic surgeon to more accurately match the appearance of your breasts. Additionally, while you are breast feeding, the glandular portion of your breast is more active, and there may be an increased risk of contamination of the surgical site. 
If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In order to carry out your surgery you have to stop breastfeeding and allow the breasts to involute.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

MAKE SURE THAT YOU ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS WITH YOUR SURGEON.

My advice would be to stop breast feeding for about six months.  Capsular contracture will involve removal of the capsule around the implant.  The dissection of this capsule will require releasing it from breast tissue.  If that tissue is engorged with breast milk, it simply adds an unnecessary component to consider during the surgery.  
If your preference is to breast feed, you may do well by asking your surgeon if the surgery can be delayed until you are done breast feeding.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. I understand your concern. Whenever women breast feed a hormone called prolactin is released. This hormone signals to the milk glands in the breast that they need to make milk. Because the hormones circulate in the blood, there is not way to direct them to just one of the breasts. As long as you're breast feeding on one of the breasts, the other one will continue to make milk. Patients typically need to stop breast feeding for at least 6 months before having any kind of breast surgery. I hope this helps and best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

First, the capsule will be there when you stop breast feeding, so feed as long as you want and then get the surgery. Second, the reason your surgeon is saying that is because breast feeding stimulated hormones which effect both breasts, regardless of the breast feeding side. To dry breasts up you have to stop breast feeding, period.All the best,Talmage Raine MD

Capsular contracture. Do I need to stop breastfeeding on BOTH breasts, if only repairing one?

Answers (5)

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