Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery
The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery is one of the major concerns for women who have undergone this procedure. The end result can vary greatly from one surgical patient to the next.
Surgery Types
Plastic surgeons can use several different methods during breast reduction surgery based on the desired outcome as well as the size and shape of the patient's breasts. If a method is used where the nipple is completely detached during surgery, breastfeeding will not be possible.
Risks
Even if the nipple remains attached during the surgery, there are no guarantees that breastfeeding will be possible after surgery. This is due to the breast tissue and ducts that may be removed during surgery.
Milk Supply
According to BFAR (Breastfeeding after Reduction), most breast reduction patients do produce milk after surgery, but their milk supply may not be enough to be the sole source of nutrition for the baby.
Considerations
Instead of abandoning breastfeeding completely if the milk supply is low, mothers may choose to supplement with formula. A lactation consultant can assist in this decision as well as demonstrating proper breastfeeding techniques that may help.
Communication
It is important to communicate your desire to breastfeed to your plastic surgeon. He may be able to suggest a method that could improve your chances at successfully breastfeeding or he may recommend delaying the surgery until after pregnancy.
Tags: during surgery, After Breast, after surgery, breast reduction, Breast Reduction, Breastfeeding After Breast
