Are milk ducts removed during breast reduction?

Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery and Milk Ducts
Breast reduction surgery, a procedure aimed at alleviating physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts, involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. A common concern among women considering this surgery is the fate of the milk ducts, which are essential for breastfeeding.
Do Milk Ducts Get Removed?
The short answer is that milk ducts can be affected during breast reduction surgery, but the extent of this impact varies based on the surgical technique used. In many cases, surgeons strive to preserve the milk duct system to maintain the ability to breastfeed post-surgery. Techniques that keep the connection between the nipple and the ducts intact are crucial for this purpose.
However, it is important to note that some milk ducts may be severed during the procedure. This is because breast tissue, which includes milk-producing glands, is removed to achieve the desired reduction in size. While severed ducts can sometimes reattach, this may influence the quantity of milk produced.
Implications for Breastfeeding
For women who undergo breast reduction, the ability to breastfeed can be compromised, depending on how much of the duct system remains intact. Studies indicate that while many women can still breastfeed after the surgery, the effectiveness can vary significantly. Some may find that they can produce enough milk, while others may struggle due to the disruption of the milk transport system.
Surgeons often recommend specific techniques that minimize the risk of severing milk ducts, such as making incisions under the breast fold rather than around the nipple, which can help preserve the integrity of the duct system.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast reduction surgery can lead to the removal of some milk ducts, the degree to which this occurs depends on the surgical approach. Women considering this procedure should discuss their breastfeeding goals with their surgeon to understand the potential impacts and explore techniques that may help preserve their ability to breastfeed in the future.

Does breast reduction remove milk ducts?

Breast augmentation, lift, and reduction
Incisions around the areola and surgery that completely detaches the areolae and nipples are more likely to cause reductions in milk production. Over time, ducts severed during surgery may grow back together or form new pathways.

Will insurance cover a breast reduction and lift?

To get breast lift surgery approved as a covered procedure by insurance, you would have to prove the procedure is a medical necessity. Breast reduction, which, like a breast lift, is a common procedure, has been covered by insurance in some cases.

Does a breast reduction include a lift?

To cut to the chase, every breast reduction includes a breast lift! The mechanics of a breast reduction procedure involve developing a “pedicle” of tissue designed to support the nipple-areolar complex and elevating that pedicle, which essentially elevates the nipple complex on this “pillar” of tissue.

What is taken out in a breast reduction?

Overview. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes fat, breast tissue and skin from the breasts. For those with large breasts, breast reduction surgery can ease discomfort and improve appearance.

Do they remove mammary glands during a breast reduction?

The nipple is removed and reattached at a higher point on the breast. Excess skin, fat and glandular tissue is removed. Sometimes, the medical practitioner will use liposuction to help remove excess fat. (Occasionally, the medical practitioner can reduce the size of breasts by liposuction alone.)

What does no one tell you about breast reduction?

Breast tissue can be very heavy and the common complaint of breast reduction patience is back pain, shoulder divots from their bra straps, and the inability to participate in sports and other activities.

What is the surgery to remove breast ducts?

A microdochectomy is a procedure to remove one or more of the milk ducts from your breast. It is usually performed to diagnose and treat a problem that causes a continued leak of fluid from a nipple. Total duct excision is removal of a disc of duct tissue from behind the nipple.

What is the surgery to remove milk ducts?

A microdochectomy is a procedure to remove one or more of the milk ducts from your breast. It is usually performed to diagnose and treat a problem that causes a continued leak of fluid from a nipple. Total duct excision is removal of a disc of duct tissue from behind the nipple.

What happens to nipples during breast reduction surgery?

After the incision is made, the nipple – which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply – is then repositioned. If necessary the areola diameter is reduced by removing skin around the perimeter. Underlying breast tissue is reduced and the remaining breast tissue is lifted and shaped.

What is removed during breast reduction surgery?

The plastic surgeon removes breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce its size and change its shape and position on the chest.