Becoming a mom is an exciting journey, and when it comes to breastfeeding, it’s natural to have many questions and a little bit of worry. If you’ve had breast or nipple surgery in the past, you may wonder if you’ll be able to produce enough milk for your baby. While some surgeries may affect milk supply more than others, it’s important to remember that with the right information, support, and strategies to maximize milk production, many moms are able to successfully breastfeed.¹ Here’s what you need to know and how you can feel confident in your breastfeeding journey.¹

Types of Breast and Nipple Surgeries

• Breast Augmentation (Implants): Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States, where implants are placed under the breast tissue (either beneath or over the chest muscle) to enhance breast size. For many women, breast implants do not affect milk production, although engorgement in the first week may be more severe. If the surgery involved cutting through the nipple or areola (the darker skin around the nipple), it could potentially affect the nerves and milk ducts that are responsible for milk flow. 
  • It’s also important to consider why the breast augmentation was performed. If the surgery was done to correct underdeveloped breast tissue or breast asymmetry, it could be linked to a condition called breast hypoplasia (insufficient glandular tissue). This condition can make producing a full milk supply more challenging, but many mothers with breast hypoplasia are able to breastfeed (fully or partially) with the right support and strategies.

• Breast Lift: Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift is a procedure that reshapes and repositions sagging breasts, giving them a higher, more rounded appearance. The surgery primarily involves removing excess skin, but it typically doesn’t affect the nerves or milk ducts. As a result, breastfeeding is usually not impacted when a breast lift is the only procedure performed. However, the location of the incisions, whether the lift is combined with other procedures (such as breast augmentation), and underlying risk factors for low supply (such as breast hypoplasia) can increase the risk of complications with milk production. 
• Breast Reduction: Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. While this procedure can improve comfort and provide relief, it often impacts milk production since a significant amount of breast tissue, including milk ducts, is typically altered or removed. Many women who have had a breast reduction can still produce some milk, but it can be difficult to predict how much before the baby’s birth. It’s important to closely monitor your baby’s feeding and weight gain to ensure they’re getting enough milk. If needed, supplementing with formula or expressed milk can help meet your baby’s nutritional needs while you work on building your milk supply.
• Breast Biopsy: A breast biopsy is a procedure in which tissue is removed from the breast to test for abnormal cells. The impact on milk production depends on the location of the biopsy and how much tissue was removed. If the biopsy was performed near the nipple or milk ducts, or if there is significant scar tissue, it could potentially cause more issues on the affected side. However, many women find that a history of breast biopsy does not significantly impact their ability to breastfeed, and they are still able to successfully breastfeed with the right support.
• Lumpectomy: A lumpectomy removes a tumor along with a small amount of healthy tissue surrounding it. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, some milk ducts might be affected, which could lower the milk supply on that side. However, any milk ducts that are not damaged may still make enough milk. If you had radiation as part of your treatment, it could also reduce the milk supply in the treated breast. Since lumpectomy usually only affects one breast, the other breast may help make up for the difference, and many mothers can still produce enough milk for their babies. Every mother’s experience is different, so it’s a good idea to establish care with a lactation consultant for guidance and support. 
• Nipple Inversion Correction: Women who undergo surgery to correct inverted nipples may experience unique challenges when breastfeeding. The procedure typically involves cutting the shortened ligaments and milk ducts that cause the nipple to pull inward. While many women who have had this surgery can produce milk initially, the lack of an effective outlet for milk flow often leads to severe engorgement, which can suppress milk production. In some cases, mothers may be able to partially breastfeed if not all the milk ducts were severed during surgery. However, it is important to closely monitor the baby’s feeding and growth, and provide appropriate supplementation, as needed.
• Nipple Piercings: If you have nipple piercings, they are unlikely to affect breastfeeding, especially if you’ve had them over a year and they are fully healed.² While it is advised to always remove your piercings during feedings, some mothers choose to wear them occasionally when not nursing, while others remove them for the duration of breastfeeding, allowing them to shrink or close. Whatever you decide, it’s important to keep your piercings clean and well-cared for to prevent infection. While the piercings themselves don’t usually affect milk production, scarring from the piercing can sometimes lead to issues like plugged ducts. Additionally, breast milk may leak from the extra hole, which can make feedings a bit messier.² 

Maximizing Milk Production

Your body begins producing colostrum in the second trimester, and after giving birth, hormonal changes trigger a larger volume of milk production.^3,4,5 Most mothers notice significant breast changes by Days 3-5 postpartum such as fullness, warmth, and possibly leaking. Regular milk removal in the early days helps signal your body to produce more milk. For many moms, a healthy baby is all that’s needed to establish a good milk supply. However, if you’ve had any type of breast surgery that might affect milk production, being proactive can significantly improve your chances of meeting your breastfeeding goals.^3,4,5

Here are some helpful strategies to get started:^3,4,5

• Breastfeed Frequently: The more often your baby nurses, the stronger the signal your body receives to produce milk. Aim to nurse your baby at least 8-12 times a day, offering both breasts at each feeding, especially in the first few weeks.
• Hand Expression: Hand expressing colostrum after feedings can encourage your body to produce more milk and provide your baby with additional milk, if needed. 
• Supplement at the Breast: Offering your baby any needed supplements at the breast, with a tube and syringe or supplemental nursing system, can help to boost milk supply while supporting your breastfeeding relationship. 
• Use a Breast Pump: Pumping after feedings signals your body to fill your breasts faster and increase milk production. A hospital-grade, double electric breast pump can help boost supply beyond what your baby alone can stimulate.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to keep your energy up and support milk production.
• Take Good Care of Yourself: Try to find time to rest and relax during the day. Take naps when you can and ask for help with household chores. 
• Consider Galactagogues: Some foods, herbs, and medications—called galactagogues—are known to support and increase milk supply. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying any herbal supplements to ensure they’re safe for you.
• Get Breastfeeding Help: Working with a Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable support, especially if you’re facing challenges related to a previous breast or nipple surgery. They can help guide you through strategies to overcome potential issues and maximize milk production.

Finding Your Path to Success

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Pumping 101
• Lactation Q & A

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References