Can I Still Breastfeed After Cosmetic Surgery?

Breast procedures are the most commonly performed and recognized type of cosmetic surgery. They are requested amongst women of all ages. Many young women know that they are unhappy with the size of their breasts, and they desire to have them altered. While breast procedures can be successful as soon as the breasts stop developing, many young women may wonder how having surgery when they’re young may affect them later in life: namely when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Although cosmetic surgeons may suggest that patients hold off on breast procedures until after having children because of the physical effects pregnancy leaves behind on the body, many women decide to go ahead with the surgery before, and they are left asking themselves: Can I still breastfeed my baby? Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple yes or no answer. It falls under the category of “it depends.” The type of breast procedure (breast augmentation or breast reduction), the techniques used during surgery, and the patient’s genetics all play a role. There are women with breast implants who have no problem breastfeeding and women with no cosmetic surgery who cannot. It simply depends. However, if you a woman who is interested in both breast procedures and breastfeeding, here are some things to keep in mind.

Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding

Typically, women with breast implants have little to no problem with breastfeeding as the implants don’t usually interfere with the milk ducts. If you desire to breastfeed, you should consider the placement of your incisions. There are multiple options available including the inframammary (made along the breast crease), the periareolar (made around the areola), and the transaxillary (made in the armpit). Incisions made along the breast crease and in the armpit have a smaller chance of affecting your ability to breastfeed. There is always a chance that implants may result in some nerve damage, and if this is the case, it may affect the amount of milk that can be produced. That being said, many women do not have this complication and can breastfeed just fine.

Breast Reduction and Breastfeeding

Breast reduction surgery is slightly more difficult when it comes to breastfeeding. While the answer is still not a definite “no,” the nature of the surgery creates more complications. Breast reduction surgery aims to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. With the removal of these, there is a much higher possibility of damage to the nerves and milk-producing ducts. This damage may limit the supply of milk that your body produces; however, it doesn’t entirely cut it off. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine what your results will be until you are attempting to breastfeed. You may be able to do so without an issue, or you may have to supplement formula along with what your body produces. There isn’t a sure way to know.

The good news is, however, that even with surgery there is a possibility to breastfeed. If this is a concern for you, it is always best to let your surgeon know during your consultation.