Weight loss before BFT? Is it better to lose excess pandemic weight gain before breast fat transfer? (photos)

Question

I've gotten some mixed advise during my provider research... is it better to lose excess pandemic weight gain before Breast fat transfer? 39yo, 5'5" normally 133-137lbs but currently 145lbs. Also average recovery time to return to an office job.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  With the average of a ten pound increase this should not make a material difference for your BFT.  Hope this helps.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

In general, patients considering body contouring surgery (including fat transfer) should be near their goal weight and with a routine that will help them to sustain this weight. Fat taken from the torso and transferred to the breast to enhance your breast shape will loose effect with weight loss after surgery. Fortunately, you are close to your goals already. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Losing weight can have a noticeable impact on the size of your breasts if you tend to have a lot of fatty tissue stored there.
Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival. Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. I typically transfer from 250 cc to 400 cc or so per breast. Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant. I place one incision under each breast and the fat can be injected to the locations specified by the patient.
Recovery is usually relatively quick. You will wear a sports bra for about six weeks, starting immediately after surgery. Many of my patients return to work after 4 - 7 days if that work is non strenuous and sedentary. Vigorous exercise should be postponed for two weeks.

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

In your case I would suggest breast augmentation with
implants as the first option unless you are wanting a small
increase in size. Best wishes.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have not told us your current bra size or bra size goals. If you want a 1 cup size increase, fat transfer may be possible. If you do lose weight after the fat transfer, some of the fat can go down as well. It may be better to achieve your ideal weight before doing fat transfer. From your side view photograph, it appears your abdomen is more of a problem. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mom.of.boys.40,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a fat transfer, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Maryam Zamani (Saheb-Al-Zamani), MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for submitting your photos. You should plan to be at your stable weight before any fat transfer procedure. Fat cells are living and will respond to weight changes. If you lose weight after fat transfer, then you will have fat reduction all over including your breasts. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your treatment goals and options.Best Regards, Dr. Zamani

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and aspirations, and fat transfer to your breasts appears to be an option for you, as long as you desire only increase of one bra cup size. 
Your photos demonstrates slight asymmetry, the left breast smaller than the right. Correction of this asymmetry, with slight increase in breast size utilizing fat transfer is an option. However if you desire larger than 1 cup size increase, implants would be a better option.
 Also, your modest pandemic weight gain is actually a plus in your particular situation because of the need for fat to transfer. I never recommend gaining weight prior to this procedure for health reasons, however in your case, I would not recommend losing weight prior to fat transfer. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to greatly increase chances for the safest and best possible result. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, loose all the excess weight before the fat transfer, or you may have smaller breasts than expected after the transfer. Most can return to office work within a few days.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

In your case I don’t think it makes all that much difference if you lose weight before the procedure. Generally speaking most plastic surgeons will recommend getting towards ideal weight before having surgery.

From a Liposuction perspective patients who have more fat will see a more impressive results because there’s more fat to remove with surgery.

To some degree your results will shrink slightly From weight loss.

I wouldn’t do any drastic changes like a rapid weight loss.

For 10 pounds I think you’re fine to schedule surgery whenever it’s convenient for you.

The choice of surgeon will have for a greater impact than you changing wait a few pounds.

Recovery is pretty straightforward. Most of the recovery will come from the Liposuction rather than fat transfer.

Anticipate feeling sore and stiff for a few weeks the worst been the first three days.

Most patients can handle low impact daily activities by 3 to 5 days.

Most patients can do unrestricted exercise by three weeks.

Surgeons may limit exercise due to fat transfer viability.

You can expect to get up to 100% breast size increase as a long-term and final result after fat transfer.  This typically equates to 1/2 to one full cup size.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom, MD

Weight loss before BFT? Is it better to lose excess pandemic weight gain before breast fat transfer? (photos)

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