Can I Undergo Breast Reduction Surgery While Breast Feeding?

Before having any surgery, it is important that one understands all the risks and potential complications.  For any woman undergoing a breast reduction, concerns arise when discussion of the ability to breastfeed post surgery is addressed.  With proper technique, it is possible to breastfeed after a breast reduction surgery.  The breast reduction procedures which are presently used by board certified Plastic surgeons in the United States include techniques which preserve the blood supply and breast glandular function in the breast.  Secondarily, the development of the operation allows for preservation of the sensation to the nipple-areola complex.  The operations are designed to preserve breastfeeding function in the patient, should there be a need for breastfeeding following the procedure.

The techniques which are utilized include the inferior pedicle technique, the medial pedicle technique, the superior pedicle technique, or any modifications thereof.  The pedicle techniques allow the areola and nipple to be moved to a higher position while attached to a “pedicle” containing the connected ducts, nerves, and blood supply.   

The breast reduction operation lasts approximately three hours.  The techniques utilized by board certified Plastic surgeons stress minimizing scar formation so that healing can be excellent over time.  A pair of drains is usually placed to drain any excess fluids and prevent accumulation of fluids, which are removed on post operative day 1 or 2 after surgery.  Sports bra or breast support dressings are placed immediately after surgery.  The patient goes back to a regular diet almost immediately after surgery and is ambulatory and walking by the next day.  An elbows in recommendation is often utilized for the first few weeks after surgery where the patient is instructed to avoid lifting her arms above the waist level to prevent any pull or undue tension which might cause scar widening or healing problems in the breast.  The most common finding is that patients are extremely happy with their breast reduction.       

A breast reduction is a very advanced operation which, among other things, has been shown to reduce chances of breast cancer in patients with a family history of breast cancer.  As breast volume is diminished, so are the risks associated with breast cancer.  There are significant physiological benefits to breast reduction surgery including improved respiratory functions, decreased signs of shortness of breath or chest discomfort which directly results from heavy breasts, and ribcage pain and discomfort, all which resolve almost immediately after breast reduction surgery.  Low back pain, upper back pain, poor posture, a kyphotic posture which overtime can result in spinal anomalies and chronic spine problems, are all problems that are significantly affected and improved upon with breast reduction surgery.  

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