Like other parts of the body, you will likely notice changes in your breasts after massive weight loss. You may have heard the saying that ‘breasts are the first to go when women lose weight.’ Unfortunately, there is some truth to this statement. Your breasts can change dramatically after weight loss and prevent you from looking as good as you feel. The reduced volume of fat often leads to poor skin elasticity and a saggy, drooping appearance. Although losing weight is a significant achievement, these adverse effects can still impact your self-confidence.
Why Do Breasts Shrink After Weight Loss?
Your breasts are comprised mostly of glandular and fatty tissue. When you lose a massive amount of weight, the amount of fatty tissue decreases, resulting in a smaller breast size. Loss of elasticity in the breasts is the primary culprit behind sagginess and a ‘droopy’ shape. The skin on your breasts, like the skin on the rest of your body, loses elasticity each time you gain or lose weight. This causes your skin to lose its ability to contract and ‘snap back’ to fit your new, more petite frame.
Of course, every woman is different, and not all weight loss has the same effects. Some women experience minimal changes after losing weight, possibly due to a higher percentage of glandular tissue than fat in their breasts. In contrast, women who lose weight quickly tend to experience the most noticeable adverse effects. Fortunately, various procedures can improve the appearance of your breasts after significant weight loss.
Breast Lift
Contrary to popular belief, sagging and uneven breasts are normal after massive weight loss. Drooping nipples and stretched areolas are also common complaints. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure used to remove excess skin and raise both the nipples and breast tissue to a more youthful, lifted state. Breast lift surgery can make your breasts feel more supple and restore their pre-weight loss appearance.
A breast lift offers several advantages, including firmer, higher breasts and restoration of the nipple position. However, the procedure will not increase the size of your breasts. Thus, the best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who are already satisfied with their breast size and those who are unable to have breast implants. Women who are hoping to go up a cup size or more should consider a breast augmentation in addition to a breast lift for best results.
often paired with other procedures to enhance overall effects. Upper body lifts are typically combined with breast lifts, tummy tucks, thigh lifts, and arm lifts.
The top benefits of breast lift surgery include:
- Balance the shape and position of uneven breasts
- Raise the position of downward pointing nipples and areolas
- Increase firmness in soft breasts
- Reshape sagging breasts
- Reduce the size of areolas
Breast Augmentation
After massive weight loss, the skin isn’t the only part of your breasts that will be affected. The breast tissue itself actually becomes loose and ‘deflated,’ often causing them to appear much smaller than before. Breast augmentations are performed to enlarge the breasts and restore lost volume using a breast implant. Breast implants help bring fullness back into the upper portions of the breasts and give them a more youthful shape.
There are many different types of implants to choose from, each with its own benefits. The two main types of implants are silicone and saline. Saline implants are filled with saltwater and are the more traditional type of implant. However, the most popular type of implant in Australia is the silicone gel implant, likely because silicone implants are known to achieve a more natural result. Silicone implants are further categorized by having either a smooth or rough surface. Rough surfaced implants are currently the industry standard as they tend to adhere better to breast tissue and minimize scarring.
There are many choices and considerations for breast augmentation surgery. However, we do not expect you to know which type of implant is best for your body. Your surgeon will help you decide which type of implant will best meet your goals and expectations during your initial consultation
Breast Reduction
Patients who had a larger bust before undergoing weight loss may find that they are still unhappy with their breasts after losing weight. Large breasts can cause significant physical pain and discomfort, with some patients experiencing severe back issues due to the extra weight on their chest. Unfortunately, excess skin and breast tissue are not typically responsive to diet and exercise. So, large droopy breasts are near impossible to treat without surgery.
A breast reduction can help you achieve a more proportionate, comfortable breast size in ways that weight loss cannot. Back, neck, and shoulder pain can all be alleviated with a breast reduction. Other benefits include relief from bra strap marks, skin rashes, and restricted physical activity caused by the weight of large, heavy breasts. Your surgeon will remove excess skin, fat, and breast tissue during the procedure, giving you a more balanced figure. Once the breast tissue is removed, the nipples and areolas will be repositioned to suit your breasts’ new size and shape. The result is a perky, youthful appearance and a natural lift.
Men may also be good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Gynecomastia, the medical term for abnormal enlargement of the male breasts, is a common concern for men after massive weight loss. It is also common for men to be left with excess skin, fat, and dense breast tissue after losing weight. These changes are often visible under clothing and can understandably weaken a person’s body image. Undergoing a breast reduction is a highly effective way to reduce the breasts’ size and eliminate other gynecomastia symptoms.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
Because the changes in patients’ breasts are completely unique regarding skin quality and breast size, we use several techniques to improve their appearance after weight loss. If you’re interested in a post-weight loss breast procedure, the best way to start is with a personal consultation. Our surgeons will listen to your concerns and determine which treatment is best to achieve your goals.
More details on Mummy Makeover can be found on the following link.
Our team at the Forme Institute is a highly qualified, highly experienced group of Specialist Plastic Surgeons. If you recently lost a significant amount of weight, you may be experiencing some adverse effects. Body contouring surgery is a powerful way to enhance your body and improve your self-confidence.
Contact us today for an initial consultation. We are committed to providing the best and safest plastic surgery after weight loss to help you reach your goals.
FRACS (Plastic Surgery) – Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Past President : ASAPS ( Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
PhD (Eyelid Surgery) – University of Louisville, USA
