American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
ambreekaye
4 months ago
Answered

Breast Reduction Effects on Breast Feeding.

Hi all, I'm 19 years old and currently a F cup. I have back/shoulder/neck pain and it's a big insecurity for me. Even with weight loss, they have stayed large. However, I really want to have kids in the next 6-10 years, and it's important to me that I would be able to breast feed. I would love to hear the different methods that have the most success w/ breast feeding? As well as any other advice.

Procedure: Breast Reduction
Location: Hood River, OR

Replies 8

Rahul Vemula
ASPS Surgeon
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The majority of women after a breast reduction are able to breast-feed. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict if you will have any issues with this. Some people have no issues at all, some have decreased milk, production, and some not able to breast-feed at all. This is something that I discuss with all of my Breast Reduction Patient who are of childbearing age prior to the surgery.

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Rozbeh Torabi
ASPS Surgeon
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Great question as I do most breast rec

Suctions on patients of childbearing age. The technique used I very important on effects on breast feeding. I almost never use free nipple grafts but that technique would definitely result in not being able to breast feed. The other techniques we can’t predict. In normal population 1/3 breast feed , 1/3 don’t breast feed, 1/3 can’t breast feed

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Jaime Caloca Valenzuela
ASPS Int. Surgeon

The Inverted "T" scar Breast Reduction rarely alters the ability to breast Feed. In expert hands. Breast Reduction will have no ill effect on Breast Feeding.

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Daniel Allan

Central breast mound with inferior dermal pedicle preserves the greatest number of ductal connections to the breast glandular tissue. It also seems to be the best at preserving nipple sensation. The configuration of the skin incision and resulting scar is not relevant.

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Alfred Antonetti
ASPS Surgeon

Most of the time people are able to breast feed after a breast reduction unless a free nipple graft is used. The number of people unable to breast feed after a reduction is very small and much much less than 1/3. Most does not mean all and there is always a small chance that you may not be able. Suction I would consider a ridiculous option. Visit a local board certified or eligible plastic surgeon for consultation.

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Norman Bakshandeh
ASPS Surgeon

Your breasts should be able to make milk with pregnancy. Most patients are able to breast feed after a reduction.

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Kristopher Day
ASPS Surgeon

Agree with other posts that most patients should not be prevented from breast feeding based on having a reduction. What many patients do not realize is that historically in the US only 25% of infants are breastfed exclusively for at least 6 months and 35% are breastfed to any extent for at least 1 year. So, while you can breastfeed after a reduction, the rate of breast-feeding for the duration of infancy with or without a reduction is only about 1 in 4 to 1 in 3. Something to put the question in context.

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