If I want to lose 20 to 30lbs after my breast augmentation, how will it affect the size and shape of my implants?

Unfortunately there is not a set answer for this question. How much breast volume lost is dependent on the percentage of fat which makes up the breast.  Some women have a higher proportion of fat to breast tissue compared to other woman. These women have greater fluctuations of breast size when their body weight changes.  Generally it is different for each individual.

Your breasts could look saggier or look larger than what you'd like on your frame however it is difficult to say for sure. How much do you weigh now? Generally speaking, the thinner you are at the moment, the more this weight loss will affect your results. That is why it's always better to be at a stable ideal weight prior to surgery.

The size of the implants are not affected by your weight.  The shape of your implants are affected by the surrounding soft tissue.  If the implants are retro-pectoral, the muscle sets the pressure and the shape will not change with weight loss.  If the implants are pre-pectoral, the weight of the breast tissue may affect the shape of your breasts. However, depending on the percentage of fat within your breasts, 20 to 30 lb weight loss may change the appearance of your breasts.  You may want to consider a larger implants if you are planning on losing weight later.  Then you will not be disappointed by the decreased breast size after weight loss.

Best of Luck,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Your implants wont change size...but 30 lb....your breasts might!!!! If you were going to lose only 10 or so lb. then I would guess you would be fine...but 30! maybe wait until after that because your breasts will change size...I have seen many women go a little larger in anticipation of weight loss...and then not have it happen and being stuck with larger breasts now that made them look even heavier!!!!

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.