Would change in weigth, up or down, affect reconstructed breasts with anatomical silicone implants?

Question

I'd like to know if weigth changes could affect reconstructed breasts with anatomical silicone implants. I had bilateral modified radical mastectomies.I've got expanders in at present, no radiation. I'll have anatomical silicone implants of 510 cc or so. I weigth 147 pounds (67 kg) and I'm 5' 4" (1 m 64 cm) tall. I'm eating healhy and I'm doing exercise at present. I actually have lost 2 kgs. If I lose more weigth, would it affect bilateral breasts reconstruction? And if I gain weigth?Thx.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

While weight gain/loss typically does not affect breast size as much when breasts are reconstructed with implants, it certainly can.It depends a lot on the amount of subcutaneous fat that is left following mastectomy. If weight is gained or lost, this layer of fat can be affected.It is not usually affected as much as TRAM of DIEP however.Also, please realize that if you are overweight and have a breast reconstruction that looks perfect and you lose weight, then the implants that were used when you were overweight might look too large at your new lower weight.Just something to keep in mind. This is true for breast augmentation as well.

Mary C. Snyder, MD · Answer

Unlike soft-tissue breast reconstruction, weight changes have very little impact on implant-based reconstructions.  You will likely see no changes in your breast size with weight loss, however your breasts may become more prominent if you lose inches in your chest and stomach areas.  Likewise, significant weight gain can result in implants "getting lost" or decreasing in projection in relation to increased chest and abdomen fat.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  An implant reconstruction is affected very little by fluctuations in weight.  There is usually a small amount of fat remaining under the skin of the breast following the mastectomy procedure that may increase or decrease in volume with weight changes.  This differs from a reconstruction such as a TRAM flap which is made completely of your own fatty tissue from the abdomen and changes to a much greater extend with weight changes.  Hope this helps.

Would change in weigth, up or down, affect reconstructed breasts with anatomical silicone implants?

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Would change in weigth, up or down, affect reconstructed breasts with anatomical silicone implants?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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