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Breastfeeding after vertical reduction mammaplasty using a superior pedicle
A Cherchel1, C Azzam, A De Mey
1Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann, Department of Plastic Surgery, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium.
Summary
The Lejour breast reduction technique allows successful breastfeeding in 44% of women. While fewer attempted breastfeeding compared to the general population, those who did breastfed exclusively for a longer duration, indicating the technique
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Bilateral superior-pedicle breast reduction using the Lejour technique is a common procedure.
- Assessing the impact of this technique on subsequent breastfeeding is crucial for patient counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate breastfeeding success rates after Lejour breast reduction.
- To identify reasons for breastfeeding failure or cessation.
- To explore factors influencing breastfeeding outcomes post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 18 women who underwent Lejour breast reduction and subsequently gave birth.
- Data collected on breastfeeding attempts, duration, success, and reasons for cessation.
- Comparison with regional breastfeeding statistics.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 18 (44%) women successfully breastfed for an average of 1.9 months.
- Eight women made no attempt to breastfeed.
- Successful breastfeeding duration was longer than the regional average, despite fewer attempts.
- No specific pre-operative or surgical factors were linked to breastfeeding failure.
Conclusions:
- The Lejour breast reduction technique demonstrates comparable breastfeeding success rates to other pedicled techniques.
- While breastfeeding initiation may be lower, successful lactation duration can be significant.
- Further research may explore strategies to encourage breastfeeding attempts post-Lejour reduction.
