How Weight Loss Affects the Breasts
One of the concerns many women have when they are attempting to lose weight is how weight loss will affect their breasts. While weight loss can improve their health and lead to countless benefits for women who are overweight or obese, it can also cause breast volume loss, loose skin, and ptosis (sagging). When the breasts are significantly altered by moderate to major weight loss, a breast lift and/or breast augmentation can restore the shape, appearance, and firmness of the breasts.
Losing Weight
Because of anatomical differences, all women do not lose weight the same way, at the same rate, or in the same ratios from the same areas. Some may experience a noticeable reduction in breast size before seeing any slimming in the waist, and others may notice that their pants fit better before observing any other changes. Because women can gain and lose weight everywhere on their bodies, weight changes may be more noticeable in certain areas than others.
Losing Breast Tissue
The breasts are composed of fat, glandular tissue, and other types of tissue. When you are dieting or exercising to lose weight, the first tissue the body converts to energy is typically fat. Since women have different percentages of fatty tissue in their breasts, the loss of fat in the breasts can mean a more noticeable reduction in breast size for some women than for others. Weight loss (especially major weight loss) can have a significant impact on the appearance of the breasts. It is not unusual for women to have sagging, shapeless breasts with loose skin and volume loss after they have lost weight.
Restoring the Breasts After Weight Loss
After weight loss, breast surgery can help restore a woman’s breasts. Dr. Schlechter may not recommend breast surgery until a woman’s weight is stable because losing even just 10 pounds can change breast volume and skin quality. The best time for a woman to pursue breast surgery after weight loss is after she has maintained her stable goal weight for at least three to six months. When the timing is right, a woman can get a breast lift to tighten, lift, and reshape her breasts so that they are more flattering, feminine, and youthful. If volume loss is substantial, breast implants can restore some of the lost volume and augment breast size. Dr. Benjamin Schlechter can help you decide whether to undergo a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both to rejuvenate and enhance your breasts after weight loss.
