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

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, FEPOBRAS · 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.

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

Answers (3)

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