Can a Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
If you’ve been struggling with the discomfort that comes from having very large breasts, you might be considering decreasing the size. This can be an affirming and life-changing decision for many women.
However, if you’re considering this procedure but haven’t finished having children, you might be wondering, can a breast reduction affect breastfeeding?
The majority of women of childbearing age who undergo a breast reduction can breastfeed after their surgery. But there are definitely considerations.First, What Is a Breast Reduction?
For everyone, gravity takes a toll on the breasts. Even men. But for women with large breasts, it can be especially daunting. There’s the potential for back, shoulder, and neck pain from excess breast tissue weighing them down. In addition, women often suffer from cuts and abrasions on their shoulders from the straps of extra supportive bras. Plus, overly large breasts can make finding clothes difficult and zap one’s confidence.Fortunately, through the surgical procedure known as a breast reduction, a board-certified plastic surgeon can remove troublesome excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to resize and reshape the breasts.
For those who need a moderate reduction, the board-certified surgeon will typically use what’s known as a lollipop incision. This is an incision made around the areola and down to the breast fold. In the cases of those who need a significant reduction, an anchor incision continues along the crease underneath the breast. Whatever the case, a breast reduction is accompanied by a breast lift to fully restore the shape and contour of the breast.
Sometimes, breast reduction is done in combination with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. This combination of procedures, known as the Mommy Makeover, is typically done after a woman has stopped having children.
For women who want just a breast reduction and still plan to give birth, however, surgeons have to take extra consideration when it comes to breastfeeding.
How Can a Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
During a breast reduction procedure, the surgeon will encounter milk ducts, glands, and nerves required for breastfeeding. Removing breast tissue can damage these milk-producing structures and cause a significant drop in milk production. In addition, damage to the nerves around the nipples could result in an inability to stimulate milk let-down and ejection.
As such, a qualified surgeon will avoid techniques that cause damage to the breast ducts and glands. He or she instead focuses on those that preserve glandular tissue and minimize nerve damage to increase the chances of successful breastfeeding.
Timing and Post-Op Care Are Everything
If you are considering a breast reduction but still intend to breastfeed, you and your surgeon will discuss the best time to do this. The more time you allow between the surgery recovery and your pregnancy, the better it will be for your milk duct regeneration and recovery. This could mean giving yourself a few years after the surgery before breastfeeding.
In addition, the quality of your post-op care will be emphasized to enhance your recovery and future breastfeeding success. Once you reach the point of breastfeeding, you’ll be encouraged to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and apply breast strategies (frequent nursing, pumping, etc.) that improve milk let-down. You’ll also be encouraged to work with a lactation consultant who can guide you on effective latching techniques and give you tips for boosting milk production.
One of the most important things to remember is that each woman’s breastfeeding journey is unique. With or without a breast reduction, you may still have difficulty exclusively breastfeeding. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with supplementing with formula as long as you and your baby are healthy and thriving.
Insist Upon a Highly Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Can a breast reduction affect breastfeeding? Yes. So it’s crucial you work only with an experienced and board-certified surgeon.
If you’re ready to further explore your options, contact us today.
During your consultation, our surgeon will explain the best surgical technique that will preserve your breast ducts, guide you based on your specific needs and goals, and provide practical expectations about your breastfeeding potential.
