One of the primary concerns that many women have before choosing breast reduction surgery is answering the question “Can one breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?”. This is understandable considering that there is an associated risk with this procedure as it can reduce the ability to produce milk as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. However, there are methods and different types of surgical techniques that can help obtain the desired result in breast size without having a significant negative impact on the ability to breastfeed.
What Can Affect the Ability to Produce Milk
One of the determining factors in breastfeeding after breast reduction is the amount and type of tissue removal, as they can both be important in the ability to produce milk. In short, this means, how much tissue is left under the nipple will directly impact lactation. In addition, the amount of ducts that are responsible for transporting milk to the nipple region is also vital to the process.
Therefore, the amount of breast tissue removed, which affects the area directly responsible for milk production, is a major determinant in the ability to breastfeed after a procedure. This is why it is important that doctors discuss these issues with their patients, especially younger patients, before proceeding to ensure they understand how they may be impacted in the future..
Surgical Techniques that Retain Breastfeeding Ability
According to the National Institute of Health, surgeries that preserve the subareolar parenchyma have a greater success rate in preserving the ability to breastfeed. Therefore, doctors who implement the best techniques to accomplish this see the greatest success rate in maintaining milk producing ability.
Dr. Applebaum has developed a technique which creates a centralized mound of tissue that remains attached to the chest wall, and which also lies directly underneath the nipple. This not only reduces the amount of glandular tissue that is removed but it also maintains duct integrity to ensure that there is an unimpeded pathway for the milk to reach the nipple. It is through this revolutionary technique that his patients have seen a success rate in maintaining breastfeeding ability of between 60 to 80%.
What to Expect
Though being able to breastfeed is of utmost importance, many women ask “Does breast reduction ultimately affect milk supply? Any reduction in glandular breast tissue is going to affect milk producing capability. And even though the ability to breastfeed remains intact, the amount of milk produced may be reduced. It is therefore highly recommended that you gather all the information as well as consult with your doctor to know what to expect, and how to effectively handle various potential issues.
It is also critical that you share as much information with your plastic surgeon as possible. This includes dietary habits, family health history, as well as your own personal medical history, to make certain they have all the information they need to make informed medical decisions.
Additional Professional Help
One type of professional that many women depend on after undergoing breast reduction surgery is a lactation consultant. These specialists can offer unique knowledge as well as techniques to foster greater milk production. These may include everything from feeding schedules to a diet that can help support milk production and greater effectiveness in your breastfeeding efforts.
Preparation
There is much more to a successful breast reduction surgery than simply coming in and having the procedure. Learning of the issues that accompany the surgery, diet and hydration habits prior to the operation, caring for the incision areas afterwards, and all the aftercare needs from nutrition to physical movement, are necessary.
In having extensive conversations with your doctor, asking all your questions, as well as making certain that you are clear on every issue, you can better ensure a successful procedure and maintain your ability to breastfeed after the surgery.
Medically Reviewed by:
Robert Applebaum M.D.
