Does Breast Lift Surgery Affect Breastfeeding or Nipple Sensation?

Generally speaking, most women are encouraged to wait until they are done having children to pursue body contouring surgery — including breast enhancement procedures — because future pregnancies and associated factors can significantly impact the results of their original surgery and may even lead to the need for a second or subsequent procedure. When it comes to breast lift surgery specifically, women often wonder how their ability to breastfeed may be impacted. Even women who are not interested in having children or nursing may have questions about how a breast lift could affect nipple sensitivity and sensation. Whether you are planning to breastfeed in the future or not, the information here — provided by Riverside, CA board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Samuel Salcedo and our knowledgeable team at The Plastics Doc — can be useful in helping you better understand what to expect after a breast lift.

What happens during breast lift surgery?

Every breast lift is customized following a thorough consultation with Dr. Salcedo, during which time he will carefully assess and discuss the patient's breast anatomy, skin laxity, health history, personal preferences and aesthetic concerns, and potential plans for future pregnancy and breastfeeding. Based on this information, a personalized surgical plan will be created. There are a number of different breast lift approaches used, each of which involves a specific incision type and placement, including:

• Lollipop lift incision
• Anchor lift incision
• Inverted-T lift incision
• Donut lift incision

In general, breast lift surgery — which Dr. Salcedo performs using a high-def breast lift technique that includes fat grafting to enhance upper pole volume and cleavage — involves creating an incision on the breast, through which Dr. Salcedo Can excise loose, extra breast skin and reposition the breast mound for a perkier new breast shape and contour. In many cases, the nipple-areola complex is also reduced during a breast lift to ensure a natural, proportionate new look. At the conclusion of the case, the breast lift incisions will be closed with sutures.

Does a breast lift make your nipples numb?

Almost immediately following breast lift surgery, it is normal and expected for patients to experience numbness or a loss of breast and/or nipple sensation, particularly if they have also had breast implants as part of a combination breast augmentation plus lift. This is due to the severing of nerves that occurs during surgery, as well as inflammation and other processes associated with the healing and settling of tissues. It can take several weeks or months for numbness after a breast lift to resolve, and, in some cases, it may be up to a year before nerves regenerate and normal breast sensations return. However, it is important for patients to keep in mind that they may never regain exactly the same breast and nipple sensitivity they had prior to breast lift surgery — though some patients actually develop increased sensitivity.

Can I still breastfeed after a breast lift?

Many women are able to successfully breastfeed after breast lift surgery, but every woman's experience is different. Because breastfeeding and milk production/flow are closely tied to nipple sensitivity, the potential loss or reduction of nipple sensation after a breast lift could affect a woman's future experience with breastfeeding. If you are thinking about breastfeeding in the future or have concerns about changes in nipple sensitivity or breast numbness overall, be sure to mention this to Dr. Salcedo during your consultation so he can discuss all of your available options. In some cases, an alternate approach or incision type may be recommended to minimize the risk of difficulty with breastfeeding. Rest assured, Dr. Salcedo and our caring team understand that every patient has a unique situation and goals, and we will work closely with you to help find a solution that sets you up for the most successful outcome possible.

Look as perky as you feel with breast lift surgery in Beverly Hills, CA

Don't let sagging or drooping breasts — or the fear of not being able to breastfeed in the future — hold you back any longer. Take the first step toward exploring your options for breast lift surgery today by calling The Plastics Doc in Corona, CA, to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Samuel Salcedo, and start looking forward to a perkier, more youthful look you can enjoy for years to come.