Can you operate on lactating breasts?

Question

It has been more than 20 years since my first breast augmentation surgery with sillicone implants, under the muscle. I have started lactating after having my first child 6 years ago now and the lactation just will not stop even with Dostinex (multiple rounds). Can I have my implants replaced while still lactating? I know they say to wait 6 months post breastfeeding but is this for cosmetic reasons (sagging etc)? Thanks

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Neat12879,
it is not recommended to get breast surgery while lactating. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Some women continue to lactate until menopause. Surgery can still be done on most women as long as they are not breastfeeding or are at least 6 months from breastfeeding.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Performing breast surgery on women who are lactating is not ideal. In your case, I don’t think there’s any way to reduce the lactation and if you need surgery then it’s probably fine to move forward. Lactation has more impact if the surgery involves the actual breast parenchyma( active breast tissue). For example, if your incision is that the inframammary fold in the dissection typically doesn’t go through actual breast tissue, but rather goes under your breast, then under your pectoralis muscle, where the implant sits. The surgeon may tape, sterile, gauze, over your nipple to collect any lactation that may leak from the breast during surgery. If the incision is around the areola, then the dissection will most likely go through some active lactating breast tissue during the procedure.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own review, and some of the decision-making will be based on the approach of your first procedure and other variables that need to be taken into consideration. You didn’t include the indication for having revision surgery.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with local plastic surgeons in your area. Different providers may have different opinions.
To me it seems like you’ve done the best you can, and at this point it probably makes sense to move forward with surgery if indicated.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Can you operate on lactating breasts?

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Can you operate on lactating breasts?

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