Should I wait til after losing weight to correct tubular breasts?

There is not much to be gained by labeling someone with tuberous breasts.  An operative plan should be developed based on your anatomy.  Whether that is breast implantation, lift or reduction, symmetrization or some combination of procedures, there is no particular point in stigmatizing your breast shape.  A properly trained, skilled and ethical plastic surgeon can develop a plan based on your anatomy and give you the outcome that you desire.  I see absolutely no point in diagnosing someone with tuberous breasts or restricted base deformity.  Stigmatizing a young person can have an effect on the way they perceive the outcome, even if it is outstanding.

This is a question that often comes up regarding other surgeries as well. Without the benefit of a physical exam, unless you are extremely obese I do not think the result will be substantially affected by weight loss. There are, however, other factors such as how much of your individual breast is made up of fat, versus breast tissue, that could affect the result. More often than not people feel so much better about themselves after plastic surgery that they go on to lose weight after the surgery. I cannot recall ever having a patient whom I felt harmed their result by losing additional weight. 

*Opinions stated here are only opinions. They are not based on a clinical exam which is recommended.

Yes, I would recommend that you get closer to your goal
weight prior to breast surgery. Even if your breasts didn’t change
significantly, a 50-pound weight loss could change the proportions of your body.
For optimal results, we would want to consider all of this when planning your
surgery. Waiting will also reduce the likelihood of needing a revision due to
excess skin and proportion changes after surgery. Good luck on the weight loss!

Hello.  This is actually a quite common question.  My response typically goes like this:If you are actively losing weight and have a significant amount to go, such as the 50 pounds you mention, then the best long term result will be possible of the weight is lost before the surgery.  If however the weight loss has been something you have been sort of working on for years and really hasn't been happening than its not likely to suddenly occur in the next several months and there is really no point in waiting any longer if the surgery is something you really want.  Hope this helps.Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD

Yes, you should wait until you are at a stable weight. Losing 50 additional pounds could have a dramatic change in any type of body contouring procedure. Keep in mind that most women's breasts are mostly made up of fat, so if you are planning on additional weight loss, you will lose some volume from your breasts affecting shape and skin laxity. 50 lbs is a significant weight loss, it would be interesting to see how much lax skin you will have at the end. You may need a breast lift. I welcome you to look at my gallery to view women who have undergone The Horndeski Method/Bellesoma Method breast that does not require breast implants to reshape and provide upper pole fullness to breasts. I hope this helps and good wishes on your weight loss endeavor! Kind regards, 

You get to be as good as you are going to be...if you lose a bunch of weight after surgery it can obviously change your result.  Good Luck!

Yes, you should wait till you are closer to your ideal weight before getting surgery. The results of surgery can change after pregnancy or a 10% change in your body weight. So, for example, if you were 200 pounds and you lost more than 20 pounds, your frame and breast measurements could be different than your starting weight and your goals might change as well. Good luck with your weight loss efforts. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Hi! Thanks for asking this question and congratulations on your weight loss! I would recommend waiting until you're within 10lbs of your goal weight before you proceed with surgery. Best of luck to you!

Hello!Congratulations on your weight loss. You're right in that significant weight loss such as yours can influence your cosmetic results after surgery and generally you should wait until your weight has stabilized.  What can possibly change in the surgical plan between now and when you're 50 lb lighter is the need for a breast lift, since deflation of the your breasts can occur with weight loss which results in sagging breast skin.  More than likely you'll benefit from implant augmentation, and depending on how severe your starting asymmetry is you might even require a tissue expander first, in order to stretch out the constricted, tuberous breast. Of course, photos are helpful, and in-person consultation is essential.  Seek a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who has at least 5 years of performing breast surgery with good results. Best of luck in your search!- Dr. Rad 

Fluctuations in patient's weight will indeed affect breast size in most women. Breast tissue is made up of both fibrous and fatty components. Fat in the breasts is hormonally responsive, and as such will increase in size with weight gain, and decrease in size with weight loss for most people. Whether  correcting tuberous breast deformity, or having any other type of cosmetic breast surgery, it is always better to be at a stable weight prior to surgery if possible.