Breastfeeding after a Breast Lift: What You Need to Know

Breast surgeries are a common component of Mommy Makeover procedures, understandably so. Pregnancy alone changes the body in numerous ways. Adding months of breastfeeding after childbirth may result in dramatic deflation and sagging once the body has returned to hormonal balance and normal weight. For the woman who wants to regain a sense of satisfaction with her breasts, mastopexy may be an excellent option.

What is a Breast Lift?

Often, when women consider how they can improve the way they feel about their breasts, it is augmentation with breast implants that comes to mind. There is value in this approach, but it is also critical for women to obtain care from a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands how tissue laxity may affect the outcome of breast augmentation. When the tissue and skin across the breasts has been stretched and tugged for months, a precision breast lift may be needed to adequately restore shape.

Breast lift surgery revolves around repositioning tissue and the nipple by excising stretched-out skin through one of a few incision options. By removing excess skin, the natural breast is held in a firmer envelop of tissue. This makes the breasts appear fuller and rounder. Most importantly, the breast sit appropriately on the chest wall and the nipples project forward rather than downward.

Is it possible to breastfeed after having a breast lift?

This is a question many of our patients ask and a very important one. In most cases of breast lift, like breast augmentation, it is possible to breastfeed after surgery. However, there are factors that must be discussed.

Milk Duct Function

There are numerous milk ducts in the breasts there is a likelihood that at least a few will be disrupted during a breast procedure. Therefore, it is possible that breastfeeding after a breast lift will feel different than it did if a woman has breastfed prior to her surgery. Disruption to any number of milk ducts could mean diminished function, resulting in decreased milk supply.

Nipple Sensation

Incisions made around the nipple are necessary for proper repositioning during surgery. However, there is no way to make incisions here without affecting nerve endings to superficial tissue. After a breast procedure, a woman’s nipple sensation may be diminished. This could have a significant impact on breastfeeding because, without adequate nipple sensation, the milk ducts do not receive the neurohormonal reflex necessary for milk production.

Can you breastfeed after a breast lift? Yes, with possible limitations. For detailed information about breast lift surgery and what it can do for you, call our Scottsdale office at (480) 771-7771.

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