Post-Weight-Loss Breast Surgery

Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland

Breast surgery is often necessary to restore shape and projection after significant weight loss. Once patients reach a stable weight, they often find that the loss of volume in their breasts causes them to appear diminished and lowered, with weakened skin elasticity. (1) The state of their post-weight-loss breasts may lead them to feel frustrated, self-conscious, or even physically uncomfortable. Post-weight-loss breast surgery is a common solution for creating a more youthful, natural-looking breast profile that blends harmoniously with new body proportions.

Consistently ranked as a top doctor across the Baltimore area, double board-certified Dr. Alyson Wells brings a combination of superior technical skill, medical insight, and compassion to every breast surgery she performs at Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa. Through an experienced, detail-oriented approach, Dr. Wells creates personalized treatment plans and delivers natural-looking results that leave patients feeling beautiful and empowered.

To schedule your post-weight-loss breast surgery consultation with Dr. Wells, call (410) 628-8200 or fill out the contact form online.

About Post-Weight-Loss Breast Surgery

Post-weight-loss breast surgery restores and enhances shape and volume, addresses excess or stretched skin, and balances natural contours. In these cases, Dr. Wells can employ various surgical techniques, depending on the goals of the patient.

Breast Lift

For many women, weight loss results in a high degree of ptosis (sagging) and excess skin, (2) and a post-weight-loss breast lift is an essential procedure to provide internal support. A breast lift (mastopexy) restores a more youthful, balanced breast appearance by removing extra skin and tightening and repositioning breast tissue. Internal sutures support the breast structure and help maintain long-term lift. On its own, a breast lift does not increase the breasts’ volume, but it does create optimal symmetry and lift.

Breast Augmentation with Lift

When weight loss diminishes the size of the breasts in addition to affecting their shape, a breast augmentation with lift both restores elevation and enhances fullness for a comprehensive breast rejuvenation. (3) Should you choose breast augmentation with implants, you will decide between saline or silicone implants with the help of Dr. Wells’ expert guidance. There are benefits to both types of implant, and the choice will depend on your own unique breast structure, personal preference, and Dr. Wells’ recommendation.

For this procedure, Dr. Wells positions the implants and reshapes the existing breast tissue for the most flattering and functional result, then removes excess skin before finishing with a smooth closure to ensure lift. In the case of a fat transfer augmentation, she removes fat from various deposits on your body via liposuction and injects it into the breasts to enhance natural-looking volume.

Whether you wish to restore previous breast volume or opt for an increase in size, Dr. Wells will work with you closely to determine the right size, shape, and type of breast augmentation that aligns with your body and goals.

Breast Reduction

After significant weight loss, some women retain leftover, disproportionate amounts of breast tissue that no longer fit their body and instead feel cumbersome and uncomfortable, limiting their range of movement and making them self-conscious of their appearance. A breast reduction removes excess tissue to alleviate associated pain issues and promote a healthier, more aesthetically proportionate upper body. Breast reduction uses similar techniques to the breast lift in promoting an improved shape and elevation, but its main objective is to reduce the size of the breasts.

Benefits

A restored or enhanced bust can build confidence and allow patients to enjoy the full results of their weight loss transformation. Depending on the specific treatments, patients may also enjoy more youthful breast shape and slope, enhanced yet natural-looking fullness, and improved skin tone. Furthermore, patients may also experience reduced neck, back, and shoulder pain, and clothing can look more flattering.

Candidates

Potential candidates for post-weight-loss breast surgery will be individuals who are dissatisfied with the loss of volume, skin laxity, asymmetrical appearance, or altered shape of their breasts that result from weight loss. They should be in good health and able to maintain their current weight. They also must hold realistic expectations about what breast surgery can help them achieve.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Wells has vast experience performing post-weight-loss breast surgery on women throughout the Baltimore area, and she is committed to giving each patient personalized treatment that has them looking and feeling their best. At your personal consultation, Dr. Wells will evaluate your anatomy and learn your health history. She will give you her informed recommendation for a path forward and walk you through the steps of your treatment plan, as well as answer any questions you may have along the way. This in-depth consultation will allow her to customize your care to your unique goals, and you will be fully prepared to move ahead with your post-weight-loss breast surgery journey. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Wells, submit our online contact form or call Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa at (410) 628-8200.

Preparation

In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you should temporarily suspend use of any blood-thinning medications and supplements. Cease use of nicotine and alcohol products for an extended period before and after your surgery. Complete any necessary pre-op labs and fill all prescriptions. Arrange transportation to and from your procedure, prepare a comfortable recovery space, and schedule time off from work to recuperate. In addition to these general guidelines, Dr. Wells and her team will provide additional instructions accounting for your health background and specific procedure to ensure you have a smooth treatment experience.

Recovery

You will return home the same day as your surgery in post-surgical compression garments. Dr. Wells will provide you with detailed post-surgery care instructions, covering everything from showering and incision care to sleeping positions and activity restrictions to support optimal healing. Regular, non-strenuous activity can typically resume within two weeks. Full recovery time may last 6-8 weeks, depending on the procedure.

Until Dr. Wells instructs you otherwise, you will have to wear the compression garments to support your breasts, prevent swelling, and maintain your surgical result. Dr. Wells will have you attend follow-up appointments to avoid complications and ensure you achieve the desired outcome.

Results

Depending on the goals of your specific treatment, you should immediately start to notice initial results like an increase or decrease in breast volume, lifted projection, a more symmetrical nipple placement, and tighter, more supportive breast skin. After the initial swelling subsides and you are able to remove your compression garment, the full results of your procedure will continue to develop over the coming weeks.

Corresponding Procedures

After a weight loss accomplishment, there are often areas of the body, aside from the breasts, that can benefit from reshaping. Dr. Wells offers various procedures that pair with post-weight-loss breast surgery for a more comprehensive body transformation.

Mommy Makeover

The mommy makeover is a package of treatments that typically includes liposuction, a tummy tuck, and a breast lift (with or without augmentation). This combination particularly suits post-weight-loss patients who want the additional benefits of reshaping the body and enhancing the breasts.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Dr. Wells offers a range of body contouring procedures that empower post-weight-loss patients with confidence and help their physical appearance align with their personal accomplishments.

Cost of Post-Weight-Loss Breast Surgery in Baltimore, MD

The cost of your procedure will vary depending on the details of your personalized treatment plan. Factors affecting total cost may include the type of procedure(s), the complexity of the treatment, the anesthesia used, and more. During your personal consultation, Dr. Wells will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your surgical plan. Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Wells by calling Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa at (410) 628-8200 or submitting our online contact form.

FAQ

How long do breast surgery results last?

The results of breast lifts and reductions can last for many years, especially if the patient is able to maintain a healthy weight. Breast implants can last up to 10-15 years before you may need revision or replacement.

Are breast surgery scars noticeable?

Dr. Wells places incisions as discreetly as possible to minimize scarring. They can be easily hidden by clothing and, with proper care, they will fade over time.

Will a breast lift make my breasts smaller?

While a breast lift does remove excess tissue, it won’t significantly change the size of the breasts. Some patients may perceive a slight change in size due to improved firmness and elevated shape.

Is breast surgery painful?

During the surgery itself, anesthesia will keep you pain-free. Afterward, you may experience residual tightness and soreness during the early stages of healing. Dr. Wells will prescribe medications to help manage discomfort.

References

  1. Hurwitz DJ, Golla D. Breast reshaping after massive weight loss. Semin Plast Surg. 2004 Aug;18(3):179-87. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-831905. PMID: 20574474; PMCID: PMC2884719. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884719/
  2. Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610682/
  3. Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S. Augmentation Mastopexy: A Five-step Standardized Strategy Approach. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004349