Summary

• Weight loss causes the breasts to sag and lose firmness due to loss of fat and stretched skin and ligaments
• The size, shape, position and symmetry of the breasts may all be affected by weight loss
• Losing weight gradually is the best way to reduce breast sagging, but it isn’t possible to prevent it entirely
• Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Fat Transfer to the Breasts and Augmented Mastopexy are the best treatment options to address breast concerns after weight loss

Our Surgeon's Insight

Mr. Roberto Viel, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years' experience, discusses the reasons that breasts can sag after weight loss and the best solutions.

Cadogan Clinic have selected the UK's best breast surgeons to work at our award-winning surgical centre of excellence based in Chelsea, London. 

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.

It isn’t possible to guarantee that the breasts won’t sag after weight loss; however, strengthening the chest muscles, caring for the skin and steadying the pace of weight loss can help to limit the impact.

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 Cadogan Clinic, which will help to restore volume and contours following dramatic weight loss: 

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy. 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. The size, shape and brand of breast implants can all be chosen to suit the patient’s desired outcomes, but it is important to take into account your new bodily proportions following weight loss to achieve a balanced and proportionate result.

Breast Augmentation usually takes 1-3 hours to complete under general anaesthetic. 

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 created by the excess skin. 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, with an increase of around one to one and a half cup sizes, 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 a recovery period of up to 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. 

Cadogan Clinic, London maintains industry-leading safety and outcomes standards. 100% of our surgical patients would recommend the clinic to their family and friends. All procedures are overseen by our CQC-rated Outstanding leadership team.

Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Fat Transfer and Augmented Mastopexy are the gold-standard in treatments to address common breast concerns arising from 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. 

Gradual, steady weight loss is the best way to limit the amount the breasts sag after weight loss, although it isn’t possible to prevent it entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions