Is there any way to tell if my plastic surgeon preserved the milk ducts during my inverted T reduction?

We always aim to preserve the milk ducks during the surgery. However, in some cases, it can be partially or completely affected by breast surgeries such as breast reduction and uplift. Best way to find out is to contact your surgeon

Hello, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, the only way to be able to tell if you will be able to breast feed is when your milk comes in after pregnancy. Not being able to breastfeed or supply enough milk to sustain a newborns life is a risk of having a breast reduction. I wish you the best.

During the process of a breast reduction, some breasts ducts are always cut in order to remove the excess breast tissue. However, some ducts and breast tissue remains intact. Generally speaking, you will have a 30-50% chance of breastfeeding following breast reduction surgery. However, for comparison, women with macromastia will only breastfeed at about a 50% rate. The only real way to tell if you will be able to breastfeed unfortunately is to attempt following childbearing.

If your nipple and areola were preserved (no free nipple graft) at the initial operation, then most likely you still have your milk ducts. Unfortunately, the scars on the outside do not determine what happened underneath.

The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery varies greatly among individuals and depends on several factors. While some women can successfully breastfeed after the procedure, many will encounter challenges or find it impossible. Even with meticulous technique, reducing the breast will reduce your ability to successfully breast feed.

The extent of breast tissue removal during the surgery is a key factor. If the milk ducts and nerves are minimally affected, there's a higher chance of being able to breastfeed. These challenges can include insufficient milk production, issues with milk letdown, or difficulties with latching.

Damage to the milk ducts and nerves during the procedure impact milk production and flow. Women who are considering breast reduction surgery and wish to breastfeed in the future should discuss this with their surgeon beforehand. Surgeons can provide insight into the potential impact of the surgery on breastfeeding and may employ techniques to preserve breastfeeding function. I tell all women that have a strong desire to fully nourish their child with breast milk, to delay breast reduction until after children.


Seeking support from lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, or healthcare providers experienced in breastfeeding after breast surgery can be invaluable. They can offer guidance, support, and practical strategies to address breastfeeding challenges and optimize the breastfeeding experience.

The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery varies from person to person, and it's essential to approach the decision with realistic expectations and a supportive network in place. Ultimately a fed baby is the most important thing. Even if you have less supply, and have to supplement on top of breast feeding, you and your baby may still see many of the benefits of breast feeding.

During the breast reduction procedure, the breast tissue (parenchyma) is removed to reduce and reshape the breast. However, the blood supply and nerve supply to the nipple should be preserved. Additionally, the glandular connections to the nipple are also preserved depending on the "pedicle" (i.e. nipple connection to the breast tissue) selected. The T-shape reduction refers to the skin excision, but only your surgeon knows what type of "pedicle" was used. Regardless, only by becoming pregnant will the hormones in your body instruct your breast tissue to produce milk and only while attempting to breast feed will you be able to determine if you are able. In general, a properly performed breast reduction should not negatively effect your ability to breast feed according to a review article from 2017.

Usually there is enough breast tissue left attached to the areola to allow breast feeding in many techniques, About one third of women after a reduction cannot breast feed. Do try and find out. Perhaps you can feed with at least one breast.

Depending on the type of breast reduction the breast glandular tissue is typically intact and therefore the milk ducts are too. If the nipple had to be removed to accomplish the reduction then you will not be able to breast feed. You should get a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon for a complete evaluation and advice. There are some patient's, never having had surgery, that can't breast feed for unknown reasons.

Breast feeding can be impacted by breast surgery. There is no way to tell if you will be able to successfully breastfeed until you attempt to do so. I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

Ultimately, there is no real test other than trying to breast-feed post pregnancy.

The outside scars do not determine or predict what occurred on the inside. Your operative report from the time of surgery will give a better idea of the duct preservation.

Ultimately it comes down to trying. It either will work or not, you may need to supplement with a bottle.