Milk drops (5 1/2 months post breast feeding) - is it okay to proceed with surgery?

Question

My breast augmentation is in a week. I fully stopped breastfeeding 5 and a half months ago. I was able to quit cold turkey and never saw another drop. However I squeezed out of curiosity and I was am able to get a couple drops of thick milk out of each side. I thought I was completely dried up. They feel empty and it’s been so long. Is it ok to continue to go through with the surgery?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Based only on your description, I would not ignore milk that can still be expressed one week before breast augmentation. It does not automatically mean surgery is impossible, but active lactation or discharge can raise concerns about fluid collection, infection, delayed healing, or a galactocele.
Please tell your operating surgeon now, before the procedure date. They may want to examine you and consider pregnancy, infection, medications, or a hormonal issue such as elevated prolactin before deciding whether to proceed or postpone until the breasts are fully dry.
Until then, avoid repeatedly squeezing the nipples, since stimulation can keep milk production going. This is a general assessment; your surgeon should make the final call after an exam.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Please let your surgeon know as soon as you can. Your surgeon would be able to let you know if it would be okay to proceed with the surgery or not.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

I typically recommend delaying surgery six months post partum or 3 months post cessation of breastfeeding (whichever is longer). With regards to your specific question, if you weaned a significant time before surgery...it is unlikely a small amount of residual lactation will be an issue. Lactation can be source of complication (infection, galactocele etc.), however, a single episode does not necessarily constitute true lactation.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear goldenpoppy8594,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Always best to check with your surgeon but..It seems like you would be ok. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

It is actually quite common for women to see a few drops of fluid what we call galactorrhea even six months or more after stopping breastfeeding, so please don't panic. From a surgical standpoint, the main concern with active milk production is the risk of infection or "milk fistulas," as the breast ducts are essentially a highway for bacteria; however, a few drops elicited only by squeezing usually indicates that the glandular tissue is involuting (shrinking) and not in a state of high-volume production. Since you are just one week away from surgery, it is vital that you stop "checking" or squeezing immediately, as stimulation can actually signal your body to keep producing. You should absolutely notify your surgeon so they can perform a quick physical exam; if the fluid is clear or truly minimal, most surgeons will proceed with the augmentation, perhaps using an extra "triple-antibiotic" pocket wash during the procedure to ensure everything stays sterile and safe.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A few drops of milk occurring after squeezing this breast five and a half months after breastfeeding cessation is not concerning.  You should be able to proceed with your augmentation as planned, but as always it is best to discuss this with your surgeon.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Most of the literature recommends that women wait 3-6 months after breast feeding before having a breast augmentation. The American Board of Plastic Surgery recommends waiting 6 months. If you or your plastic surgeon have any concerns, then wait a couple of weeks. Realistically, it shouldn't be a problem to have your breast augmentation 51/2 months post-breast feeding.

Best of luck!
Port City Plastic Surgery

Best of luck!
Port City Plastic Surgery

Milk drops (5 1/2 months post breast feeding) - is it okay to proceed with surgery?

Answers (8)

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