Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?

Patient's who undergo breast reduction surgery may not be able to breastfeed postoperatively. Statistically approximately 12%-15% of women undergoing a bilateral breast reduction are not able to lactate or breastfeed after this operation. In general, the majority of my breast reduction patients are able to breastfeed and also have good nipple sensitivity as well after surgery. It is important that the patients understand the risk associated with breast reduction surgery which can also include bleeding, infection, loss of nipple sensitivity, as well as the inability to lactate.

There is no clear cut answer to this question. The majority of women are able to successfully breastfeed after surgery, but some are not. It depends on the type of breast reduction you had and if there were any complications after your surgery.

Breast-feeding may not be possible after breast reduction surgery. It depends on how much breast tissue was removed and whether scarring interrupts the ducts. Of course, if the nipple was removed and replaced during surgery, breast-feeding will be impossible.