What are the chances to preserve my ability to breastfeed? How long after breastfeeding can I get a reduction?

Any type of breast surgery can potentially affect breastfeeding. For women who haven't had children yet, the ability to breastfeed remains uncertain, as some may encounter difficulties regardless of prior surgery. Generally, around 70% of women can breastfeed, and this percentage is similar after breast reduction. If breastfeeding is a priority for you, it’s important to discuss it with your plastic surgeon before the procedure. They can advise on the best approach to improve your chances of breastfeeding after surgery.
Many women can breastfeed after breast reduction, but it depends on the surgical technique and the amount of tissue removed. If a large amount of tissue is removed or if a "free nipple graft" method is used (where the nipple is fully detached), breastfeeding may not be possible. The ideal time for breast surgery while breastfeeding is approximately six months after you've completely stopped nursing.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Hi,
Thank you for the question. Based on what you are describing, it does sound that you have large/heavy breasts causing physical symptoms, and breast reduction may be an option for you. However, it is difficult to tell without seeing the photos and/or in person consultation.
During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the breast is lifted and nipple/areola is typically made smaller. It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift.
The most important factor for being able to breastfeed is whether the nipple areola complex is preserved during breast reduction versus undergoing free nipple graft surgery. If the nipple is preserved, the breastfeeding potential should not be affected. In general only 70-80% of women are able to breastfeed and it is similar for women after breast reduction.
I typically recommend patients to wait 6-9 months after cessation of breastfeeding prior to undergoing Breast reduction surgery.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Efforts can be made to try to preserve your ability to breastfeed in the future during a reduction, but it cannot be guaranteed. If it is of high importance to you I encourage you to consider postponing the reduction until after you have completed your family. You can consider breast reduction about 6 months after you have completed breastfeeding. I have included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.