Can I stop breastfeeding 2 weeks before my breast reduction surgery?

Question

I have a breast reduction surgery in two weeks but i still breastfeed. Is it possible to do my breast reduction if i stop breastfeeding now? If so, what are the risks and complications?

Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS · Answer

Prior to any breast surgery, I require patients to be milk free for 4 months which typically occurs 6 mnonths after cessation of breast feeding.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would discuss this with your surgeon as this is an important consideration en lieu of your impending surgery.  Because of the significant changes that can take place to a woman's breast tissue during pregnancy and nursing, I do not perform any surgery on the breasts for at least six months after pregnancy or nursing, whichever is later.  Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually have patients stop breast feeding 4-6 months before surgery to allow the breasts to involute.  Best of luck.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Halla,I suggest that you call your plastic surgeon first thing tomorrow.  I would bet that he/she has no idea that you are still breast feeding.  I require that my patients wait a full 6 months after breast feeding before undergoing breast reduction.  Good luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Is your surgeon aware that you are still breast feeding? I delay surgery until six months after breast feeding has ceased as changes in the breasts take that long to establish a baseline for surgery. This is information you need to share with your physician.

Can I stop breastfeeding 2 weeks before my breast reduction surgery?

Answers (5)

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