Should I lose weight before procedure?

Question

I have my third and final child 6 months ago, and I plan to lose between 15~20 pounds regardless of getting work done or not. Should I lose weight first before going in for breast fat transfer (ideally from tummy and waist) or should I "save" the fat to transfer?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! We would prefer to perform surgery including Liposuction with Fat Transfer while you're at a stable weight. Weight fluctuating up or down isn't ideal. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon so we can create a surgical plan for you!

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Whether or not you should lose weight before a cosmetic procedure, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, depends on various factors, including your overall health, the specific procedure you're considering, and your surgeon's recommendations. Here are some general considerations:

Body Mass Index (BMI): Surgeons often consider a patient's BMI when determining candidacy for certain procedures. Having a BMI within a healthy range can contribute to better surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Procedure-Specific Requirements: Some procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), may be more effective and safer when performed on individuals who are close to their ideal body weight. Excess weight can impact the results and increase the risk of complications.

Health Considerations: Being at a healthier weight is generally associated with lower risks during surgery and a smoother recovery. If you have underlying health conditions, losing weight under the guidance of a healthcare professional may be beneficial.

Realistic Expectations: It's essential to have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of cosmetic procedures. Losing weight before surgery can contribute to achieving a more proportional and aesthetically pleasing result.

Postoperative Recovery: Recovery from surgery may be easier for individuals at a healthier weight. Maintaining a stable weight after the procedure is also important for long-term results.

Before making any decisions, it's crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. They will assess your individual case, discuss your goals, and provide personalized recommendations based on factors such as your health, body composition, and the specific procedure you're interested in.

If weight loss is recommended, it's essential to approach it in a healthy and sustainable manner under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Rapid or extreme weight loss may have negative effects on your overall health and may not be conducive to optimal surgical outcomes.

Always follow your surgeon's preoperative and postoperative instructions, and communicate openly about your goals and concerns during the consultation process.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I’m sure you will get varying answers to this. Unfortunately  fat transfer to the breasts isn’t such a reliable procedure regardless of your weight loss strategy

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Don't lose weight after the transfer. If you want to lose weight, do that first. If you still have donor fat, then have the transfer or consider implants.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear vlumbley,
Your question is a very good one.  I don't know that anyone can completely accurately answer it since there are many factors that affect the survival of fat transferred to the breasts and how it reacts to subsequent weight changes.  Consultation with an Amerian Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon that performs breast fat transfer for an examination and discussion of these factors is probably a good starting point for you.  Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You can’t really save fat by staying obese.
It’s generally better to be at your ideal weight before considering any cosmetic surgical procedure.
Breast fat transfer can increase breast size by about 1/2 cup or about 50% increase in breast size.
This is when it’s done by an experienced provider.
The procedure does not change breast shape in any meaningful way so it’s important for people to understand the difference between increasing breast size and changing breast shape.
What most postpartum women desire is at change in breast shape much more than increase in breast size.
 Delivering consistent quality, liposuction and fat transfer results is more difficult than most people realize.
The number of plastic surgeons who truly mastered this procedure iron as small minority.
Likewise significant number of people seeking the procedure in the end really aren’t good candidates for breast fat transfer.
 In order to maintain high patient satisfaction for this procedure. It’s very important people have a clear understanding of what the procedure can, and cannot accomplish.
Likewise, provider selection is absolutely critical and finding someone who has sufficient skill and experience to do this procedure, while delivering both quality, liposuction and fat transfer results is not nearly as easy as people may think.
 Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Should I lose weight before procedure?

Answers (7)

More Breast Fat Transfer Questions

Can fat transfer be safely done on my breast implants? (Photo)

Will I continue to have poor retention after a revision? (photos)

Is it possible to go up a size with 19% body fat?

Can you achieve more dramatic results if you were previously obese?

Can I get a breast fat transfer if I have thrombocytopathy?

Are Breast Fat Transfers common in Utah?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS