If you lose more weight after a breast reduction/lift surgery, will the new shape that was created be ruined?

Question

I am planning to have breast reduction/lift surgery in January. I have been working out consistently and I am concerned that if I lose more weight after surgery my breasts wont be as lifted.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Nixcalderon, Thank you for your question. It is best to be at your goal weight prior to your Breast Reduction and Mastopexy surgery. This will yield the best results. Best of luck to you!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is recommended that you get to your goal weight and one that you can maintain before having breast reduction surgery. It would depend on how much weight you lose as to whether it will change your breasts after your reduction. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you do lose weight after surgery this will reduce the amount of fat within the body and the breast area as well depending on how much is lost and will possibly cause sagging. It is recommended to stay at a stable weight after surgery. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Losing over 20 lbs tends to affect the results in a detrimental fashion.  This has some variability as a 20 lb weight loss in a 220 lb woman may have less of an effect than a 20 lb weight loss in a 120 lb woman. Most PS recommend that you maintain a stable weight for several months prior to surgery so if you plan to lose additional weight, do it now for the best results.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The best time for surgery is the point at which you have reached a healthy, happy, stable weight (preferably with a BMI < 30). This will help you reach the optimal result. 
However, that is not to say you cannot have surgery prior to that point. You must be willing to accept the possibility (i.e. likelihood) of the need for further surgical revision following further (significant) changes such as those seen after pregnancy or with continued weight fluctuation.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Verified Member
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Depending on how much weight you loose, yes you can potentially have looser and saggier breasts after weight loss.  Think of it like deflating a balloon, as the volume decreases, you end up with excess skin.  Therefore, it is always best to be at your goal weight before proceeding with a breast reduction / lift.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction and long term stability.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nixcalderon,
Generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a breast lift, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ramsen Azizi, MD · Answer

In general, weight loss is usually a good thing after we do surgery. It helps to maintain a lot of the shape whether that is lipo, abdominoplasty, or even breast surgery. I find that only larger amounts of weight loss or gain will make a difference post operatively in breast reduction or breast lift. If you are for example, 5'4" and about 140 pounds.....if you lose or gain 10 pounds? Probably not a big difference in the breasts. If you lose or gain 20 pounds? Probably a small difference. 30-40 pounds? This will really start to make a difference. Everyone's body habitus and shape is a bit different. Everyone responds a bit differently to weight gain and loss as well. If you did not have huge differences in your breasts with weight gain and loss in the past, I would find that you will not have huge differences later on. Even if you lose a lot of weight and have sagging you don't like......it will still look much better than had you NOT had surgery. Also, "re-lifting" it may only need a small skin procedure rather than a full on breast lift. More like revising rather than re-doing. Good luck and great work on losing weight!
Ramsen Azizi M.D.
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
R.A.M. Plastic Surgery - Chicago

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!
It is best to be at your goal weight prior to surgery. This way you will have the best possible result. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Best wishes!

If you lose more weight after a breast reduction/lift surgery, will the new shape that was created be ruined?

Answers (13)

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