Changes in Breast Shape After Weight Loss
Weight loss affects the breast tissue, skin elasticity, and overall breast volume. Common changes include:
- Loss of Volume: Fat loss can leave breasts appearing flat or deflated, especially in the upper pole.
- Skin Laxity: Reduced skin elasticity can result in sagging or drooping breasts, medically referred to as ptosis.
- Stretched Areolas: Significant weight fluctuations can cause the areolas to enlarge or become uneven.
Suitable Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery
Suitable candidates for breast lift surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of reduction mammoplasty. As of 1 July 2023., patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure. For your safety, we recommend achieving a BMI of 30 or below before surgery.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, you will be advised to stop smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals.
Options for Breast Reshaping After Weight Loss
Breast reshaping procedures are designed to address individual concerns, whether it’s lifting sagging breasts, restoring lost volume, or reducing excess tissue. Common options include:
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes and lifts sagging breasts to create a more elevated and firm breast shape. Key aspects of a breast lift include:
- Removing excess skin.
- Reshaping the breast tissue.
- Repositioning the nipple and areola.
A breast lift alone is ideal for patients with adequate breast tissue but significant sagging. In some cases, it may be combined with augmentation or fat grafting to achieve the desired results.
For individuals with overly large or heavy breasts after weight loss, a may be the preferred option. This procedure removes excess breast tissue and skin to achieve a smaller, more proportionate breast size while also lifting and reshaping the breasts. Breast reduction not only improves aesthetics but also alleviates physical discomforts such as back and shoulder pain caused by large breasts.
Breast augmentation uses implants to restore volume lost after weight loss. Implants can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. They are often used as part of a staged procedure with a breast lift to address both volume loss and sagging, creating a more balanced appearance.
Fat grafting involves transferring fat from another part of the body (e.g., thighs or abdomen) to the breasts. This option is particularly effective for:
- Restoring lost volume.
- Enhancing breast contours.
- Providing a natural look and feel.
Fat grafting can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a breast lift or augmentation.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Surgery: What to Expect?
Breast lift or reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital, with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. The surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures, such as fat grafting, are included. Dr. Turner recommends an overnight hospital stay to allow for rest, recovery, and initial post-operative care.
During the procedure, incisions are carefully planned to minimize visible scarring. For most breast lifts or reductions, a “lollipop” incision is used, circling the areola and extending vertically down the breast. In weight loss patients with more extensive skin laxity, an “anchor” incision is added along the breast crease to provide the necessary access for reshaping.
Once the incisions are made, excess skin is removed, and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped to achieve a firmer, lifted contour. For breast reductions, additional glandular tissue and fat are removed to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. The nipple and areola are repositioned, and the size of the areola is reduced to match the new breast proportions. Optional fat grafting can be used to restore volume to specific areas, such as the upper pole of the breast, while liposuction may be performed to contour the surrounding areas for a balanced appearance.
After the surgery, patients are fitted with a surgical bra to provide support, reduce swelling, and help shape the breasts during the healing process. In some cases, drainage tubes may be placed to manage fluid buildup and are usually removed within the first week. Specialized dressings are applied to the incisions to protect the wounds and promote healing, and these are changed by Dr Turner during follow-up appointments.
