Many women ask whether a breast lift (also called a mastopexy) could affect their ability to breastfeed in the future. This question is a common discussion during consultations at William Bruno Plastic Surgery. The reassuring news is that, in most cases, breastfeeding is still possible after a breast lift. Here’s what to know before making a decision.
Breastfeeding After a Breast Lift
Most women can still breastfeed after a breast lift. The procedure lifts and reshapes the breast without removing the glandular tissue responsible for producing milk. Most surgical techniques avoid cutting through the milk ducts or nerves that support milk flow. Because of this, many women can breastfeed successfully after surgery. Your experience may depend on your anatomy and the specific technique used.
If You Haven’t Breastfed Before, What to Expect
If you haven’t breastfed before, there’s no way to know for sure how your body will respond, with or without surgery. Some women naturally have difficulty with milk supply. A breast lift won’t cause or fix that issue. While most techniques are designed to protect breastfeeding function, the procedure can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to nurse.
How Surgical Technique Can Make a Difference
The way your surgeon performs your breast lift plays an important role in protecting your ability to breastfeed. Many techniques keep the nipple and areola connected to the tissue underneath, which helps preserve the nerves and milk ducts. This connection supports both milk production and the let-down reflex.
Supporting Breastfeeding Function
Keeping these internal structures intact helps maintain normal breast function. At William Bruno Plastic Surgery, your breast lift is planned with care to support your long-term goals, including the option to breastfeed. Be sure to discuss your plans with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bruno, as they can choose a method that helps protect milk ducts and nerves.
If You’ve Breastfed Before, You Probably Still Can
If you’ve successfully breastfed in the past, there’s a strong chance you’ll be able to do so again after a breast lift. As long as the milk ducts and nerves remain undisturbed, your body typically responds as before surgery. Most women in this situation don’t notice major milk flow or supply changes once healing is complete.
What to Know About Less Common Risks
As with any surgery, a breast lift carries some risk. In rare cases, nerves or ducts may be affected, which could make breastfeeding more difficult. Some women also experience temporary numbness in the breast or nipple. Numbness usually improves over time, but it may take a few months to resolve fully. While these effects are uncommon, it’s helpful to be aware of them when considering surgery.
Learn More About a Breast Lift
If preserving the ability to breastfeed is part of your plan, bring this up during your consultation. Surgical technique plays a key role, a topic many patients find helpful to discuss.
Dr. Bruno, a board-certified plastic surgeon at William Bruno Plastic Surgery, uses techniques that reshape and lift the breast while considering future breastfeeding.
Learn more about breast lift and how it may support your ability to breastfeed in the future.
