Can I Lose Weight Without My Breasts Sagging?

In cases of dramatic weight loss, it is very hard to fully prevent sagging due to the extensive stretching of the skin, combined with large amounts of fat being lost.  

However, there are some preventative steps which may help to limit the amount of sagging you experience:

• Gradual weight loss – by losing weight at a steady pace, the skin will have more time to adjust and form itself to the reduced amount of fat in the breasts. 
• Strength training – Exercises which strengthen the muscles in the chest, such as push-ups, bench presses, chest presses and chest pullovers, will help to build the muscles which support the breasts. 
• Moisturisation – Keeping the skin moisturised and hydrated will encourage it to be more supple and bounce back to its original position more easily. 
• Wearing a well-fitting bra – Wearing the right size of bra will ensure your breasts have the correct support and will prevent sagging.

These steps are not cure-alls, and won’t stop all chances of saggy breasts, however they may help to support and strengthen your breasts to impede the worst sagging. 

How Can I Fix Saggy Breasts After Weight Loss?

Surgery is by far the best way to fix sagging breasts following dramatic weight loss.

We offer three different breast surgeries here at the Cadogan Clinic, which will help to restore volume and contours following dramatic weight loss: 

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) 

This is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic. The excess skin resulting from weight loss is removed, and the breast and nipple are repositioned into a flattering and lifted position. This is most suited to patients who are happy with their smaller breast size after weight loss, as there is no extra size achieved. Mastopexy surgery takes 2-4 hours to complete. 

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation, also known as Breast Enlargement, or a Boob Job, is a surgical procedure which increases the size of the breasts and enhances their shape using breast implants. The breast implants fill the space in the breast left by the excess skin, caused by weight loss, resulting in a smoother, firmer appearance. Breast Augmentation usually takes 1-3 hours to complete. 

Natural Breast Augmentation (Fat Transfer to Breast)

For patients who do not wish to use breast implants to increase the size and enhance the tone of their breasts, Fat Transfer to Breast is a popular alternative that uses the body’s own fat, extracted with Liposuction, to fill the space within the breast pocket. It is not usually possible to gain the same size increase as breast implants can provide, but for patients looking for a natural and subtle result, Natural Breast Augmentation is a good option. Fat Transfer to Breasts is a surgical procedure carried out under general anaesthetic and usually takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Augmented Mastopexy

Patients who are looking for the lift of a Mastopexy and the added volume of a Breast Augmentation can consider an Augmented Mastopexy (also known as a Breast Lift with Implants). This surgical procedure involves the implants being placed into your breasts before your surgeon removes the excess skin and repositions the breast and the implant into the most flattering position. This procedure usually takes 3-4 hours and is carried out under general anaesthetic. 

All these surgical breast procedures have recovery periods of 6-8 weeks. You will have to wear a surgical bra for this recovery time to support your breasts, prevent swelling and maintain your surgical result. Following your surgeon’s aftercare and recovery instructions is key to preventing complications and ensuring you achieve the desired results you are looking for. 

Your surgeon will be able to explain the best options for you during your consultation and how each of these will help get your breasts back after weight loss.  

They will also be able to show you a range of weight loss before and after photos from other patients who have had surgery to correct their breasts following weight loss. 

How To Stop Breasts From Sagging When Losing Weight?

There is no single way to stop breasts from sagging when losing weight, and preventative action is difficult.  

One strong recommendation, however, is to always avoid rapid weight gain or weight loss and aim instead for a more gradual weight loss process to allow your skin to adapt slowly to changes.