After losing a substantial amount of weight, many men and women are unhappy with the way their breasts look. Similar to other areas of the body, the changes in this area are frequently visible in clothing and can be discouraging. It makes sense after working hard to lose all that weight; they are feeling great and want to look as great as they feel.
The natural course of aging usually causes the glandular (firm) sections of the breast to gradually become looser fatty tissue, and they begin to droop and sag. Similar changes can take place when an individual experiences a major weight reduction, and this can be a significant concern.
Today we are going to discuss how a breast lift after extreme weight loss or other breast augmentation procedures can restore an individual’s self-esteem.
Mastopexy After Weight Loss
The breasts are especially vulnerable to the effects of decreased skin elasticity brought on by rapid weight loss. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens and lifts drooping breast tissue. The purpose of this surgery is to create the appearance of perkier, younger, and more “uplifted” breast tissue and a naturally placed nipple.
Each breast lift surgery is tailored specifically to the needs of the patient, so the type of incision required will depend on the amount of skin that needs to be removed as well as the patient’s desired outcome. Excess skin on the breast itself and around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) are the areas that most frequently need to be addressed after a massive weight reduction.
A breast lift can typically be completed in two to three hours and is usually done under general anesthesia. The vast majority of the time, a breast lift after weight loss is done as an outpatient surgery, so patients can return home the same day. Patients generally experience less discomfort than with other types of cosmetic surgery. Depending on the nature of their surgery and their job, patients can usually return to work in about a week to ten days and can resume normal activities in about three weeks.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Breast Lift Post Weight Loss?
Undergoing a breast lift after losing a bunch of weight has its advantages and disadvantages, and sometimes it takes a combination of cosmetic procedures to achieve the look you want. Knowing what to expect from each procedure helps patients form realistic goals and aids the cosmetic surgeon in creating a plan that will meet their expectations.
Many women experience significant changes in the way their breasts look after being pregnant or nursing. They lose volume in their breasts, and often they hang down or sag unattractively. Just like after a significant weight loss, a breast lift can restore the breasts to their more natural position and eliminate the excess skin. Keep in mind that a breast lift will only tighten and lift the breasts up to a more attractive height but will not address any lost volume issues.
Pros
- Removes sagging, loose skin from the breasts
- Positions the nipple and areola to appear more youthful and natural.
- The recovery is fast
Cons
- A patient will have visible scarring
- Breast lift surgery does not restore lost volume or fullness in the upper portion of the breast
Breast Implants After Weight Loss
When a woman loses a significant amount of weight, it is very common to be left with loose skin, but that is not the only issue that affects most women. Another major change that takes place is that the breast tissue becomes looser and saggier, which creates the “deflated” look. The volume that once made the breasts appear full and supple is now flattened out and droopy.
Undergoing a breast lift after weight loss will raise the breasts back up to where they are supposed to be and will also remove loose skin, but if you desire to replace the lost volume, a breast augmentation with implants is recommended.
There are various types and sizes of breast implants, and the cosmetic surgeon will help you choose the best implant that will best deliver your desired results.
Implants are available in saline and silicone and come in a variety of sizes and profiles (the amount of projection from the body). The surgeon can place implants underneath the chest muscle or just beneath the breast tissue.
Pros And Cons Of Breast Implants After Weight Loss
Pros
- Corrects lost volume and will address some of the excess skin
- Minimal scarring
Cons
- May not be effective at addressing all the loose skin
- Breasts may still sag lower than what looks natural
The Benefits Of Combining Implants with A Breast Lift After Extreme Weight Loss
A dramatic loss of weight, the natural course of aging, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and gravity can all take their toll on the breasts. Sometimes placing an implant under the muscle to correct breast imperfections is all that is needed, and it will look natural and fill out the loose skin.
However, in many cases, neither breast implants nor a breast lift alone can adequately correct these issues, and a combination of implants and a breast lift after weight loss is necessary to restore both volume and position.
When performing a breast lift and breast implant combination, the surgeon will place the implant through the incision that is used for the lift, remove the excess skin, and reposition the nipple area if needed. This combination surgery can take two to four hours to complete and is done under general anesthesia. Most patients recover within about three weeks and can return to work after about seven to ten days.
Pros
- Will add lost volume and correct loose skin, restoring breasts to a natural-looking position
- Long-lasting results
Cons
- The procedure is more extensive and takes longer
- Will result in scarring
After a significant weight loss, it is not unusual to experience undesirable changes in breast volume or position or end up with loose skin. Breast implants, a breast lift, or a combination of both can correct these issues and restore shape and symmetry to the breasts.
For men who may have loose skin, sagging chest tissue, or accumulations of fat in this area, gynecomastia surgery can correct these issues. The excess fat deposits can be removed, extra loose skin eliminated, and the areola repositioned if needed to give you more definition and a more masculine-looking chest.
Since every patient’s situation is different (skin elasticity, breast size, etc.), choosing the exact technique to correct issues left behind after weight loss would be best determined through a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.
If you are interested in learning more about how to restore volume and lift your breasts after weight loss, contact SurgiCare Arts today and set up a consultation. Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, offers breast lift, breast augmentation, and gynecomastia surgery at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics in their state-of-the-art surgery center conveniently located in the Atlanta area.
Give us a call or go online today to schedule your consultation to learn more about how we can help you reach your aesthetic goals.
