Losing a significant amount of weight is a major accomplishment that can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life. That said, one unwanted effect of major weight loss is the development of loose, sagging skin along with a loss in breast firmness and volume. The result can be a deflated, drooping or asymmetrical appearance in the breasts, even for women who didn’t have these concerns before their weight loss.
Dr. Steven Turkeltaub, a well-known board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, breaks down how weight loss typically affects the anatomy of the breasts and outlines how many women restore more youthful breast proportions with breast lift surgery. In many situations, this is combined with a breast augmentation in order to obtain a far more desirable, impactful result.
Reduced Skin Elasticity, More Loose Skin
“Skin elasticity” refers to the skin’s ability to contract tightly around patients’ new contours after aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations cause changes in one’s body shape. Given the loss in elasticity that occurs naturally with diminished collagen and elastin production, the skin is not always able to “snap back” after major weight loss. As a result, skin and loose tissue can hang over a patient’s new contours after the weight loss, leading to skin folds, hygiene issues and aesthetic dissatisfaction.
These concerns can be directly treated with a breast lift, which reshapes the breast tissue and removes excess skin while restoring underlying support. This not only eliminates sagging, but also repositions the breasts higher on the chest wall for a firmer, more lifted contour. The procedure also raises the nipple and areola to a more youthful location. If more volume is needed or desired, this can be done in conjunction with breast implants.
Reduced Breast Volume
Your breast tissue shrinks and enlarges somewhat proportionally to weight loss/gain. Whether achieved through bariatric surgery, weight loss medications or dieting and exercise, major weight loss can reduce the volume of glandular (breast) tissue and cause the breasts to take on a flattened, stretched or “deflated” shape. This, combined with increased skin laxity, can cause the breasts to sag and the nipples to droop well below their ideal position – even below the natural breast crease. As a result of this loss in contour, many women undergo breast lift surgery to restore a natural-looking, well-defined and rejuvenated breast profile.
Breast Lift with Implants: Even Greater Breast Rejuvenation
In order to address both volume loss and sagging at once, many weight loss patients opt for a combined breast augmentation-mastopexy — also known as a breast lift with implants. A breast lift alone does not replenish breast fullness; in fact, it usually leads to a decrease in volume and cup size. In turn, implant placement can be an effective complement to a mastopexy for those who desire rounder, larger or more voluptuous breast contours.
Comprehensive Post-Weight Loss Skin Tightening
If you’ve been left with lax, hanging skin in multiple areas of the body, a full body contouring plan after weight loss can be an excellent treatment option. This involves a customized treatment plan that streamlines common skin tightening procedures, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift and more. By combining these treatments, patients can minimize their recovery time and costs while achieving their results faster than undergoing each individual procedure.
Timing Considerations
We generally recommend waiting until your weight has remained stable for several months before pursuing aesthetic surgery, as a consistent weight can maximize the quality and longevity of your final results. Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy after surgery can re-stretch the skin and cause the breasts to change shape again, so a stable weight before surgery is essential.
Consult with a Board-Certified Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon — Steven Turkeltaub, MD
At the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, renowned breast surgeon Steven Turkeltaub, MD offers advanced post-weight loss solutions to remove hanging, excess skin and give you the taut, well-defined contours you first envisioned after achieving your weight loss goals. Don’t hesitate to contact our Scottsdale-area practice for a personalized treatment plan developed with your unique needs in mind. We serve patients in Scottsdale, Phoenix and all throughout Arizona and beyond.