Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction Surgery.

Purpose: To examine the topic of breast reduction surgery and nursing implications.

Methods: The following databases were searched (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL) using the terms mammoplasty, breast milk, human milk, breastfeeding, and lactation, as well as breast reduction and reduction mammoplasty for studies in English, where both breastfeeding and reduction were mentioned in abstract or title, with no restriction on date of publication.

Results: There were four systematic reviews, and four additional articles identified that were not cited in the systematic reviews. All the systematic reviews used different definitions of "successful" breastfeeding. None specifically addressed the milk-making capacity of the breast tissue after surgery or reported 24-hour milk production. Certain surgical techniques are reported to help with the preservation of milk supply; however, they have not been accurately studied for milk-making capacity of the breast. Breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery has not been a topic covered by nurse researchers.

Clinical implications: The word "success" is not a useful word in providing counseling to women who are considering breast reduction surgery. Patients considering breast reduction should be advised that surgery may affect the ability to achieve a complete milk supply. More research is needed on the milk-making capacity of the breast after various types of breast reduction surgery.