What options do I have for saggy breasts after major weight loss?

Question

I am 20 years old and have lost almost 60 pounds. I am down to 120 pounds and am very healthy. I've reached even beyond my initial goal, but my weight loss has left my breasts saggy. It is as though they were balloons that were deflated. I lost my weight first in my breasts and now I do not know what to do. I am young, but I have the breasts of a much older woman. I am a college student and know that is unlikely that I will be able to afford surgery. Is surgery the only answer?

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

First of all, let me say
congratulations on your weight loss!  Droopiness
of the breasts is very common following a large weight loss. This can be
corrected by either a lift alone or a lift with implants.  There are certain determining factors such as
the volume of the current breast and the skin laxity to take into account when
deciding on the procedure that is right for you. Your surgeon is your best
resource.  You will need an in-house
consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to be examined and advised
of your surgical options and what procedure is right for you to give you the
optimum result.  Be sure to ask to see
before and after photos of both.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on losing so much weight!After major weight loss it is common to be left with deflated, sagging (ptotic) breasts, and the only way to correct this is by undergoing a breast lift (mastopexy).The upside to the breast lift procedure is the nice change in contour, however, you will have to accept scars on the breast itself. You may also desire breast augmentation to help restore the volume that you have lost.  A breast lift may be performed at the same time as breast augmentation, or at a later date.   Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out more!

Charles Cope, MD · Answer

Hi.Congratulations on your significant weight loss! It is a far better position healthwise to be fit and active and a normal weight. Unfortunately nearly everyone who loses 60lb ends up with loose skin. If you have lost volume and have saggy breasts then you will need to have a breast augmentation and lift to restore the volume and lift your breasts into a higher position at some stage - there is no non-surgical answer. You may want to consult a Board Certified plastic surgeon at this stage to understand what is involved with the surgery, even if you wait until later to go ahead with the surgery. Regards Dr Charles Cope

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Congratulations in loosing so much weight!  Nice job.  Now, in some ways you are left with a major problem.  Here is a tip:  Place an envelope in your breast crease, and see 1. if the nipple is above, at, or below the upper edge of the envelope.  If the nipple is below, you would most likely need a breast lift, with or without augmentation.  2.  See if tissue also hangs below the upper edge of the envelope.  If so, and the nipple is down there, you can only correct this by removing skin, and unfortunately this involve incisions on the breast.  So see a surgeon boarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Unfortunately not much can be done without surgical intervention. However, you may still have enough breast tissue and skin to reshape them to give you enough volume without needing an implant. I have dealt with this problem successfully by implementing the Ultimate Breast Lift  method. This new technology allows me to reshape, reposition and provide upper pole fullness without an implant and without a vertical scar. Please look at my before and after gallery to see what can be achieved with the UBL method. I hope this helps. Best wishes, Gary Horndeski M.D.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. Hope that you continue to keep a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately when breast have lost volume the only answer is surgery. Typically, a breast lift can be done but of implant is usually needed to supplement or increased volume. Hopefully you can get in a better financial position at some point to at least have a consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon as to your exact options.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

A breast augmentation can restore volume to your breasts but your description that the breasts are saggy leads me to believe you may require a lift (mastopexy) either with or without implants.  Schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options following an exam.Best of luck,

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss!Surgery is the only solution to lifting the breasts.  If there is enough volume a lift alone is all that would be recommended. If added volume is desired, implants would also be considered. A consultation with a plastic surgeon will be the best way to understand your options.All the best.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, surgery is the only answer to correct sagging breasts.  May be your parents can help with your finances or you can obtain a loan.  Many young patients do just that.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Thank
  you for your question .

A breast lift is the only option and you can also add a implant if you will like.

Many
  surgeons, including myself, offer online virtual consultations where you send
  us your photos and we can estimate the cost. I, like many surgeons, also
  offer free consultations so that you can be examined and given the most
  accurate quote.

Choose a board certified
  plastic surgeon who has done a ton of Brazilian Butt Lifts and has privileges
  to do this surgery at a local university hospital. This says his credentials
  have been checked out by fellow Drs. All surgeries carry risk, talk to your
  plastic surgeon and choose one wisely.

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What options do I have for saggy breasts after major weight loss?

Answers (15)

BREAST LIFT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU