Continued weight loss after a breast reduction, will my breasts look deflated and saggy?

Question

I am 5'4", currently 140 lbs, so not significantly overweight. I had a baby last year and I'm still not at my goal weight - between 125-130. I've always had large breasts, even when I was very thin. After two pregnancies/breastfeeding, my boobs are HUGE, stretched out, and sagging. I'm scheduled for a breast reduction/lift in a few weeks. If I continue to diet and exercise and lose weight (maybe 10-15 lbs) after my breast reduction, will the breasts look deflated and saggy?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is the most patient pleasing operation we perform.
Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. In general (ideally), it is best to do this procedure ( like all other elective body contouring the stages, when patients have reached their long-term stable weights. Losing weight prior to the procedure will improve the safety of the procedure and minimize the need for further surgery ( in the event of weight gain/loss after the breast reduction procedure). Keep in mind, if you lose weight after having the surgery, your breasts may also change size and shape and you need to be OK with that.
Meet with well experienced, board certified plastic surgeon's who can show you examples of their work.  
  Best wishes as you work towards your goals and for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question. Not much stands between you and your goal weight. I suggest you get to within 5-10 pounds of your goal weight before surgery. If you lose much weight after a breast reduction there is a chance that your reduced breasts will sag or lose their shape once you lose the weight. In order to ensure long-term satisfaction with your results, it's best to be at your goal weight before you have surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

My recommendation would have been to lose the weight prior to the BR.  Composed of breast tissue and fat, the breast will become smaller if you lose weight.  During a BR, the skin is tightened; if you lose weight, the skin needs to shrink and tighten to a smaller size. If it cannot, your breast will droop.  How much it loosens and droops varies based on how much weight is lost,  the laxity of your skin, etc.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It is generally best to loose weight before undergoing surgery as weight loss can affect your final result.  You may experience recurrent ptosis with further weight loss.

Scot Martin, MD · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. Generally speaking, you’ll get the best results if you achieve your weight loss goals prior to having a breast reduction. That way, you can minimize the chances that you’ll require a revision surgery down the road to account for significant fluctuations in your weight. Still, this is something that you can bring up with your plastic surgeon during your consultation and try to create a reasonable timeline for your procedure. Best of luck!

Continued weight loss after a breast reduction, will my breasts look deflated and saggy?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: It’s best to reach your target weight before having a breast reduction.

Answer: It’s best to reach your target weight before having a breast reduction.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Continued weight loss after a breast reduction, will my breasts look deflated and saggy?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: It’s best to reach your target weight before having a breast reduction.

Answer: It’s best to reach your target weight before having a breast reduction.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.