Losing weight after implants?

Question

i will be going to have breast augmentation tomorrow with 440gram implants. My surgeon said that losing more than 5kg will affect the implant ( that you may be able to see the lining of the implants etc). But if I lose 5kg of fat and gain 5kg of muscle, does that mean I've stayed the same weight? Or does he mean that I can't lose 5kg of fat?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your decision to undergo a breast augmentation surgery.Simply, a reasonable weight loss should not impact of the size of a woman's breasts.That being said, fat tissue takes a fairly good percentage of the total breast volume and so considerable weight loss may affect the size of the breasts moderately.As for gaining 5 kg of muscle, I doubt that this volume will be completely focused in the chest area and so you may not be benefiting extensively from this increase in muscle mass.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, some people do not find that their breast size changes much with minor weight loss or gain, but other report a big change.  It is hard to predict the effect of a 5kg weight loss on their breast implant result.  It would also depend on other factors like the amount of pre-existing breast tissue, skin tone, nipple position, etc.

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have small breasts and are not getting a lift I doubt it will matter. If  you have larger breasts that are a little saggy then it could matter. We all lose and gain weight in different places.  That would be for your to know. You could have a 10pound weight gain or loss and no change in shape of your breast, just your legs and butt.  I am not sure your PS can predict that.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

With weight loss, age and pregnancy the breast usually loses glandular tissue and fat.  That leaves a smaller native breast and a thinner layer of tissue covering the implant.  The first leads to an overall smaller breast and the latter to lead to increased feel and visibility of the implant.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I often recommend that all patients that are interested in pursuing an aesthetic procedure reach their goal weight prior to surgery. This weight should be one that they feel comfortable at, and can maintain, which will afford them the best long-term results.  Weight fluctuations cause additional stress on the skin's elasticity and collagen reserves which can alter the appearance of breast implants, tummy tucks, arm lifts, and other skin operations.  5kg may not materially affect your outcome, but it would be best to have it done before surgery.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I think what your surgeon was trying to say is that implants will change in appearance with weight gain and weight loss.  If you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight, just wait until you do before getting the implants.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Although weight loss will not have a direct effect on your breast implants, significant weight loss may affect the appearance of your breasts in general.It is difficult to predict how a specific young lady's breasts will change with weight loss; how the breasts were affected historically with weight loss may be the best indication how you will do.Generally speaking, significant weight loss can lead to some change in breast tissue (and/or nipple/areola) position; this “sagging” is called breast ptosis medically.Sometimes, patients who lose weight will have a smaller amount of breast/soft tissue coverage overlying the breast implants; this change in breast anatomy may lead to a greater degree of breast implant palpability and/or rippling. In these cases, the breasts may also appear smaller.Therefore, generally speaking, it is in patient's best interest to achieve a long-term stable weight prior to undergoing elective breast surgery.I hope this, and the attached link, help.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Kymmy, Thank you for sharing your breast implant question about losing weight after surgery.  In our plastic surgery clinic there are numerous reasons why we prefer our patients attain their ideal weight in advance of surgery.  Your plastic surgeon is correct in that weightloss may make the implant edges more visible, however this is not always the case.  In your situation I would be sure to continue following up and keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon after your procedure.  I hope this has been helpful and wish you the best.Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Optimum results of surgery are achieved when patients are at their ideal wieght prior to surgery as fluctuations in weight can impact on the aesthetic results of your surgery.  There is no way to determine whether or not you will loose fat from your breasts if you decide to loose weight.  If you are already lean and you loose fat from your breasts then its possible that the "edges" of the implant will become more visible.  Fatty tissue provides coverage for the implants, replacing it with muscle will not have the same affect.  If you are an average weight then its unlikely 5kgs will make a significant difference.  Good luck with your surgery.

Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Losing a significant amount of weight after breast augmentation can thin the tissue covering your breast implants, making the implant edges more visible. This is mostly a concern for the area of the breast implant not covered by muscle. Good luck on your surgery

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