Can I get rhinoplasty and temporarily pause breastfeeding to resume after surgery? (Photo)

Question

I would like to get rhinoplasty now because I'm not working and at home with my baby. She is almost 5 months now. I over produce milk, so I started stashing it since her birth. So now I have a deep freezer filled, enough for a 2-3 month supply. I wonder if I can get rhinoplasty and use my stored milk supply and later resume. My baby obviously comes before all so if I have to wait until I'm completely done breastfeeding that's fine, but it would be nice to get it done before I resume working.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. My advice would be to wait to have surgery until after you are finished breast feeding.  Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a conservative dorsal hump reduction.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Ultragirl,The answer is yes, you could pause breast feeding to undergo surgery.  However, I would not recommend it.  Although you have produced a 2 month storage, if you stop cold turkey with breast feeding your breasts are going to be pretty uncomfortable.  This wouldn't be a huge issue, but after rhinoplasty there is a limit on how much you can lift (which can affect how much you want to hold your baby).  It's also not advisable to be holding very unpredictable heavy objects which could hit your nose (babies heads make great battering rams for unsuspecting parents faces).  If the baby were to hit your nose it could jeopardize your result. I would recommend you consult with a facial palstic surgeon to learn about an operative plan, but I would defer surgery until your baby is a little older.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Absolutely!  I have many new moms who come to me during their maternity leave and want to get enhancements before they return to work. 
For procedures under local it is totally safe.  Lidocaine (numbing) is not passed into breast milk.
For procedures under general anesthesia, if you have a large store of breastmilk already you will be fine.  After the procedure you should just pump and dump, because some of the anesthetic gases and narcotics may be passed into the milk.  Be sure there will be someone to help you with the baby the first few days after surgery because you will be tired and sore.
From your picture, you appear to be a great rhinoplasty candidate!  Congratulations on you new baby!
Dr Rodman

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure and pause for breast-feeding for a few days after the procedure. It's important to allow the anesthesia in the narcotic pain pills be out of your system before resumption of breast-feeding. Rhinoplasty is a difficult endeavor,  so choose your surgeon very wisely based on extensive experience. Digital computer imaging would also be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with the procedure. For many examples, please see the link and the video below

Can I get rhinoplasty and temporarily pause breastfeeding to resume after surgery? (Photo)

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Can I get rhinoplasty and temporarily pause breastfeeding to resume after surgery? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Can I get rhinoplasty and temporarily pause breast-feeding to resume after surgery?

Answer: Can I get rhinoplasty and temporarily pause breast-feeding to resume after surgery?

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