Breast Implants and Weight Change?

Question

Hello! I'm gearing up to have surgery in a few days and a question just occurred to me: Will fluctuations in your weight (post-operatively) change the appearance of your implants? For instance, if one were to lose 10-15lbs after they had implants, would that maybe alter the appearance of the implants, making them appear more taught/round/fake? What change in appearance would gaining weight produce, if any? Does it largely depend on how a woman 'carries' her weight? Thanks!

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Women’s breasts generally change size with weight gain or loss, and although it varies, a good rule of thumb is one cup size for each 25 pounds. A modest weight change of 10-15 pounds should not change the appearance of the implants substantially, or make them appear fake. In very thin patients the implants have a higher chance of being more visible, particularly if the implants are above the muscle.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Small weight fluctuations should not affect the appearance of your breasts significantly. However, some women do see significant changes in their breasts even with small weight changes. If you are that type of person, you potentially could see changes with 10-15 pound weight fluctuations. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question,

	
	I am Dr. Speron, a proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).  I am also certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

	
	To answer your question, it is unlikely to have major breast fluctuations in your breast implants after breast augmentation due to weight loss. However, that does not mean that your breast itself and breast skin cannot change with weight loss or gain - they certainly could. I highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon if you have anymore questions or concerns before your surgery.

	
	Below are some links for additional information and before and after pictures.

	
	If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at 847.696.9900.

	
	Best of luck and have a great day!

	
	Regards,

	
	Dr. Speron

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Large fluctuations in weight can change the appearance of your breasts. Especially if the weight gain affects your breast size. Your breasts will age with or without breast implants which will cause a certain degree of drooping as you age. My best advice is to stay within 10 pounds of your preoperative weight for long lasting results.

James E. Murphy, MD, FACS · Answer

Look at your past history. When you gain weight do your breasts increase in size?  Do they decrease in size when you lose weight?  Having breast implants will not change this. All the best to you.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most women who seek breast augmentation do not have major fluctuations in breast size with weight change. The breast augmentation will probably yield a relatively permanent results even with minor fluctuations in weight such as 10 to 15 pounds.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Most woman who lose or gain weight do not experience much of a change in the breasts. If you are one of the few who do lose weight in the breasts then you will definitely see a change in your breast. The implant will be more visible since there would be less soft tissue to cover it.

Joseph Hayhurst, MD · Answer

Surely you don't mean to ask will you weight gain change the appearance of the implants, but rather don't you mean to ask about the appearance of your breasts? The implants will not change their size with your weight gain or loss, but the size of your breasts in front of the implants will likely change with weight gain or loss. Breasts contain both glandular and fatty tissue in different proportions and these proportions you likely inherit. The fatty tissue is the main tissue that gets larger with weight gain, and smaller with weight loss, while the breast glandular tissue usually changes with hormonal influences. You can get some idea of how much of your breast is composed of fatty tissue by how much your breasts have changed in the past with a weight gain or loss of 10-15lbs. The more they've changed=more fatty tissue, while little change in the breast with weight change=little fatty tissue and more glandular tissue. I hope this answers you question about weight gain and change in breast size and I hope that was your question. As far as your question about will this make "them appear more taught/round/fake?" or not, every one will have a different opinion about how different sizes and shapes of breasts will appear, but the only one that should really matter to you is your own opinion, you shouldn't expect to change what opinions other people will have. I hope this helps you with your questions and gives you some things to think about. Best wishes to you.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Small fluctuations in weight will not affect your augmentation very much, though very large weight fluctuation can influence your result. The changes with major weight loss can include drooping of the breast over the implant and show through where the implant was well covered before, After just 10 to 15 pounds you should be fine.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

You are the best person to answer your question.  What happens to your chest with weight fluctuations? 

	Do you get a little bustier with a few extra pounds around the holidays or does it all go to your hips?  Do you shrink and droop a little bit when training for the Danskin Triathlon?  If your breasts change with weight, implants may mask the changes a little bit but the change will still occur.

	It's always best to have breast and body contouring when you are at a healthy and sustainable weight.  Otherwise your surgeon is operating on a moving target.

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