Will a Breast Lift Affect the Ability to Breastfeed?

Breast lift surgery is a transformative procedure for many women. Medically referred to as mastopexy, this plastic surgery procedure has a range of benefits, including improving breast aesthetics, physical comfort, and self-confidence. However, many patients considering a breast lift have concerns that it might affect their future ability to breastfeed. Dr. Lisa Cassileth, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills specializing in breast surgery, understands these concerns and is dedicated to providing education on the procedure to alleviate pre-surgical anxiety, believing that an informed patient is empowered to make the best decision for their lifestyle and goals. Keep reading to discover how a breast lift may or may not impact the ability to breastfeed in the future.

Understanding Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift involves reshaping and repositioning the breast tissue to create a more youthful and elevated appearance. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened. The position of the nipple and areola is also adjusted to achieve a natural look. While these changes can significantly improve the aesthetics of the breasts, they can also affect the anatomy of the breast tissue and milk ducts.

Breastfeeding After a Breast Lift

The ability to breastfeed after a breast lift largely depends on the surgical technique used and the individual patient’s anatomy. In many cases, the milk ducts and nerves responsible for breastfeeding remain intact. However, any surgery on the breast may disrupt  these structures. It’s important to discuss your breastfeeding goals with Dr. Cassileth during your consultation. She can explain how different surgical approaches might impact your ability to breastfeed and recommend techniques that preserve breastfeeding functionality.

Surgical Techniques and Breastfeeding

There are several techniques for performing a breast lift, each with its own implications for breastfeeding:

Periareolar Technique:

This method involves making an incision around the edge of the areola. It’s less invasive and typically preserves the milk ducts and nerves, making it more likely that you’ll be able to breastfeed successfully after surgery.

Vertical or Lollipop Technique:

This approach includes an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. It provides excellent lifting results, and, depending on the surgeon’s skill, can maintain breastfeeding function.

Anchor or Inverted T Technique:

This method involves three incisions: around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease. It’s used for more extensive lifts and requires more tissue manipulation. However, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, patients can expect to maintain the function of milk ducts.

Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Success

Several factors can influence your ability to breastfeed after a breast lift, including:

Patient’s Natural Ability: Most patients who were able to breastfeed before breast surgery will be able to breastfeed following a breast lift procedure.

Surgical Technique: As mentioned, an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast lift procedures should be able to preserve breastfeeding functionality.

Healing Process: Proper post-operative care and healing can affect the outcome.

Individual Anatomy: Each patient’s anatomy and the extent of tissue manipulation play a role in breastfeeding success.

Contact Us

Dr. Cassileth is committed to empowering her patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Contact us to schedule a consultation to explore your breast lift options and understand how they may affect breastfeeding. This session provides an opportunity to ask Dr. Cassileth any questions and receive personalized recommendations tailored to your unique needs and goals.

¹ ASPS. Breast Lift. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift. Accessed July 2, 2024.
² Cleveland Clinic. You’ve Had Breast Surgery — Will That Impact Your Ability To Breastfeed? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-breastfeed-with-breast-implants. Accessed July 2, 2024.
³ASPS. Breastfeeding after periareolar breast augmentation. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/breastfeeding-after-periareolar-breast-augmentation. Accessed July 2, 2024.
⁴Annals of Medicine & Surgery. A successful breastfeeding after vertical scar reduction mammaplasty with superior pedicle: A case report. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7708693/. Accessed July 2, 2024.