Solve loose chest skin with breast lift?

Dear Linoleum3398,
breast lift will remove some skin from breasts and lift them but it will not help with upper chest. My preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dear Linoleum,
Thank you for your question about the possibility of needing a breast lift to address loose chest skin after a substantial weight loss of 100 pounds, and your ongoing goal to lose an additional 50 pounds.
Timing for Surgical Evaluation:
It's essential to wait until you've reached your weight loss goal and maintained a stable weight for at least three months before making any decisions about surgery. This will give your body time to adjust and will provide a clearer picture of the surgical needs.
Common Procedures Post-Weight Loss:
Most women who undergo significant weight loss do find that a breast lift (mastopexy) is beneficial. The anchor or inverted T breast lift is commonly used in such cases. This procedure involves:
A 360-degree incision around the areola.
A vertical incision from the areola to the infra-mammary fold.
A horizontal incision along the infra-mammary fold.
The goal of this surgery is to lift the breast and address loose skin. If there's excess skin in the upper outer chest or armpit area, the incision can be extended to address these areas as well.
Next Steps:
Focus on reaching your weight loss target and then maintaining that weight.
Once stable, consult with a plastic surgeon who can provide a detailed assessment and discuss the best surgical options based on your body’s changes post-weight loss.
Remember, you're halfway through your weight loss journey, and the final results will dictate the most appropriate surgical approach.
I hope this information helps as you continue on your path to achieving your health and body goals. Wishing you success and good health in your journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! While a breast lift isn't designed to remove excess skin, it may affect it depending on the location of the skin and the degree of laxity. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to get an idea of what you can expect in terms of results as well as learn more about your options.