Unable to breastfeed from left breast 3.5 years after breast lift - can anything be done?

Question

I had a breast lift 3.5 years ago, i can breastfed from the right boob but my left does not get a letdown unless the right is stimulated which results in me having to pump both breasts at the same time After feeding from the right. Will low light laser therapy help to regenerate nerves? or is it too long for any hope of helping the left side

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

Breastfeeding changes after a breast lift can happen because the surgery may affect milk ducts, glandular tissue, nipple sensation, or the nerves involved in the letdown reflex. It is also possible for one breast to function better than the other.
At 3.5 years after surgery, major nerve recovery from the operation has usually already occurred. Low-level laser therapy is not a proven treatment to reliably regenerate the nerves needed for breastfeeding or restore letdown after breast lift surgery. I would be cautious about spending time or money on it with high expectations.
The fact that the left breast responds when the right side is stimulated suggests there may still be some hormonal letdown response, but the local nipple-nerve stimulation on the left may be reduced or altered. Pumping both sides together, using warmth, massage, relaxation techniques, and working with a lactation consultant may help maximize what function is present.
It is not necessarily “too late” for any improvement during breastfeeding, because supply and letdown can sometimes improve with consistent stimulation. But if the issue is true nerve or duct disruption from surgery, there may be a limit to how much can be restored.
My advice would be to see a lactation consultant and also discuss this with your breast surgeon or an OB/lactation physician. The most realistic plan is usually supportive management rather than trying to reverse the surgical changes.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

I am not aware that low light laser therapy is beneficial in improving the milk letdown flow to the breasts, especially 3.5 years after your procedure. Perhaps your OB/GYN can shed some light on a solution to this issue.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jayepeters,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Regarding the clinical concerns regarding breastfeeding challenges after a mastopexy, it is important to acknowledge that sensory and functional changes, particularly concerning the intercostal nerves responsible for the letdown reflex, are common post-operative occurrences. While low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown promise in some areas of neural recovery, there is currently limited clinical evidence to guarantee significant nerve regeneration specifically for lactation functions 3.5 years after your procedure. Given that you are experiencing a cross-mammary letdown response, I recommend a comprehensive clinical evaluation and a consultation with a certified lactation consultant to discuss specialized stimulation techniques or alternative therapies tailored to your specific case.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

At 3.5 years after a breast lift, a persistent difference in letdown usually means the nerve, duct, or glandular changes on that side have stabilized. Low-level laser therapy is marketed for nerve healing, but I would be cautious about expecting it to regenerate breast sensation or restore letdown this far out; the evidence for that specific problem is limited.
I would discuss this with your OB/lactation consultant and, if possible, your breast surgeon. They can check whether there is true milk production on the left, nipple sensation, scarring around the ducts, and whether pumping strategies are the most practical option. Improvement is possible in some patients, but I would not count on a procedure or laser treatment to reliably reverse it after several years.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having breastfeeding after your mastopexy.  Whenever there is surgery on the breasts there is a chance that breastfeeding can be impacted.  I encourage you to work with a lactation specialist to assist with potential interventions to improve your situation.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Unable to breastfeed from left breast 3.5 years after breast lift - can anything be done?

Answers (6)

More Breast Lift Questions

Asymmetry from breast feeding - What type of lift for small uneven breasts? (Photo)

Can my nipples/areolas be improved during a breast lift?

19 with saggy breasts - would a lift fix this? Would it also improve my nipple projection? (Photos)

Unconventional breast lift - Is it possible to get a breast lift that removes the skin above the nipple, on the chest? (Photo)

36HH and struggling with rashes. - Am I a good candidate for a breast lift? (Photos)

Breast lift types - Bellasoma and the auto augmentation and an internal dermal bra lift. Which is best with hEDS? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS