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 reaching half of your weight loss goal!

It depends on where the loose skin is. A breast lift does remove saggy skin but for the purpose of making the breasts perkier. If the sagging skin is elsewhere, like on your décolletage, then a breast lift would most likely not help.

Congratulations on your weight loss! Without photos it is hard to tell if a breast lift alone will give you upper pole fullness. If you have a significant amount of breast tissue left after your weight loss journey is complete, it may be possible to achieve full perky breasts with a lift alone. If you are left with just hanging skin, you could include fat transfer to your breasts from another area( if there is any), or using silicone or saline breast implants. Once you have reached your goal weight, make a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and they can help you go over your options. If you would like to be seen here at Smith Plastic Surgery, feel free to reach out for a consultation when you are ready. 702-838-2455

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. However, if you do lose 100 lbs, you will have excess skin. The breast lift technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! Some excess skin can be removed with the lift as the incisions can be widened to remove more skin. Wait until you are 6 months with a stable weight after achieving your weight loss goal before going to consultation.

Hello, it's challenging to say anything specific without a photo. However, you are likely to experience significant weight loss. In this case, there is a possibility of sagging due to the reduction of fat tissue in the breast. It would be better to consider a lift surgery after completing your entire weight loss process.

Successful, massive weight loss can cause significant skin redundancy.
The first step is successfully losing the weight, and after that you can begin to address skin laxity issues.
A breast lift is the appropriate treatment to remove skin redundancy on the breast that can happen with significant weight loss. Some women may benefit from implant augmentation as well.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD