Losing weight can be a challenge and when you’ve reached your goal, you should be excited and proud of your achievement. However, we see many patients at Karidis Clinic that have been left less than happy with the effect that significant weight loss has had on their figures and, in particular, their breasts.
Why do breasts sag after weight loss and what can be done?
The breasts are composed of fatty and glandular tissue, the latter which includes the breast ducts. There are also connective and supportive ligaments that hold this fatty and glandular breast tissue in place.
The reason that your breasts may sag and seem deflated when you reach your goal weight is that fatty tissue is lost as part of an overall weight loss. This is coupled with the fact that the ligaments and connective tissue, which support the breasts and connect them to your chest wall, have been stretched when your breasts were larger. These do not retract to your new breast size. The skin that envelopes the breast will also be stretched and becomes less elastic over time. Pregnancy and breastfeeding often has the same effect.
What is the solution to sagging, deflated breasts?
As there are two issues to address – loss of volume coupled with breast ptosis or sagging – the most appropriate surgical procedure is usually a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy.
A breast augmentation with implants can enhance breast shape and size and a mastopexy or breast uplift can address sagging skin and lift the breast to a more youthful position. Sometimes a standalone procedure can achieve the results you’re hoping for. Breast implants can create a small breast lift in patients with good skin elasticity and nipples that are still positioned high on the breast mound. A breast lift alone can produce a much perkier, but still full appearance if there is enough existing fatty tissue.
However, if the breasts are significantly sagging and the nipples positioned low on the breast mound or pointing downwards, implants alone can often make the breasts appear worse. Similarly, a standalone mastopexy often cannot address volume loss particularly in the upper part of the breasts.
To find out if you’re an ideal candidate for a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy, call 0207 432 8727 to arrange a consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons.
