Can I Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?

Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?

Theoretically speaking, one should still be able to breastfeed after breast reduction, as the ducts to the nipple are not divided and the central breast mound under the nipples are preserved during breast reduction surgery. However, don't forget that a proportion of the population naturally struggle to breastfeed (with or without previous breast surgery). It has also been shown that people with large breasts often find it difficult to breastfeed as the size and the weight of the breast can make it difficult for a child to suckle effectively. The ability to breastfeed is not proportional to the size of the breast. 

Reduction surgery may cause some scarring within the breast, but it doesn't stop the remaining breast glands from producing milk. It won't prevent enlargement of the breasts and the usual changes post breastfeeding. This is why often we don't recommend breast reduction surgery within 2-5 years of planning to have a child, as often, after breastfeeding, a revision may be required, such as further reduction, lift or even augmentation. 

If you are young and have not yet had children, please discuss your concerns with your surgeon during your consultation and understand the long-term effects of breast reduction surgery during your reproductive years.

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