16 Jan Do You Need A Breast Lift After Weight Loss? Update Your New Look With Mastopexy
Can Weight Loss Affect Your Breasts?
There are times when women experience significant weight loss, for instance, after pregnancy, due to dietary changes, or increased exercise. While shedding those pounds will do wonders for the waistline, the process affects other body parts differently. The female breast contains significant fat tissue, so significant weight loss can affect this body area. The result is usually flatter, drooping, or sagging breasts, called breast ptosis. Some women may require a mastopexy to restore lift and fullness.
What is mastopexy?
After significant weight loss, women will notice loose skin on the breast, as there is reduced elasticity. Some cases will produce significant drooping well below the inframammary fold. Mastopexy removes the excess skin and tissue to lift the breast. As a result, the nipple goes in a more natural area above the breast crease. In some cases, the surgeon also reduces the size of the areolas. The technique and length of the procedure depend on the severity of breast ptosis. Mastopexy cannot increase breast size but can be combined with breast implants for a fuller look.
What to expect during a breast lift
The patient will go under anesthesia, and the surgeon will use one of several incision techniques. For instance, the surgeon can make a semi-circular incision above the areola. Excess skin and tissue are removed, and the areola and nipple move into that space. The surgeon then stitches the areola into place. Another incision starts from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. Excess skin and tissue are removed again, and incisions are carefully closed to ensure minimal scarring. Other mastopexy techniques include the peri-areolar, crescent, and anchor lift.
Recovery, success, and complications
After surgery, the breasts remain bandaged to limit pain and swelling. Most patients need about 1-2 weeks off work and physical activity. The swelling and scarring will continue to change after that time. Most women will see significant results in 6-8 weeks. Over 12-18 months, the scarring should fade. Overall, the satisfaction rate is more than 90%, with revision rates less than 10%.
Is mastopexy for everyone?
The best candidates are those with good general health and significant breast sagging. The patients should also have realistic expectations of the procedure. The surgeon will help the patient gauge how the final results will look during initial consultations. Women who smoke or have a pre-existing medical condition that affects blood clotting may not be good surgical candidates. Women who plan to have a baby may want to wait, as the lift can be affected by changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The lift you need
After significant weight loss, some women are delighted with a new shape, clothes, and lease on life. However, significant breast drooping can lower self-esteem and confidence. Patients satisfied with the breast size but not the shape can benefit from a breast lift. For some women, surgery can be the missing piece of the puzzle.