Will breast milk production negatively affect my upcoming breast lift procedure? (Photo)

If at that time you are still lactating, you should be seen and evaluated by your gyn if this is normal. All of this, if needed, should be done before any procedures. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi aggiesteno,

Thank you for your question regarding the impact of breast milk production on your upcoming breast lift procedure. Your concern is quite valid and important to address.

The short answer is yes, breast milk production or breastfeeding will negatively affect your upcoming breast lift procedure. It's crucial that you inform your plastic surgeon immediately and consider rescheduling your breast lift surgery. There are two main reasons for this.

Firstly, the presence of milk in the breast ducts during a breast lift significantly increases the risk of infection. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that there is no breast milk present in the breasts during a mastopexy.

Secondly, breast milk production temporarily enlarges your breasts, which can negatively impact the surgical results. Once you stop breastfeeding, your breasts are likely to shrink, which could significantly alter the outcome of your breast lift. Predicting the extent of this change is challenging, so if you undergo mastopexy while your breasts are still enlarged, the final results might be unpredictable.

In light of these factors, the best course of action is to stop breastfeeding and allow some time for your breasts to return to their post-lactation state before undergoing a mastopexy. To be cautious, most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least one month after you have completely stopped producing breastmilk before proceeding with the surgery.

Thank you for your insightful query about breastfeeding and its implications on breast lift surgery. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon