Answers
"I am 22 years old and currently in the U.S. Army. Prior to joining the Army I weighed approximately 190 pounds and my breasts were a size F. During basic training I lost 57 pounds and my breasts are now a size C. They now sag very badly and I have a lot of loose skin on them. Would a breast lift take care of this problem and would it be better to have it done now or wait until after I have children?"
— Franklin DiSpaltro, MD
Green Village, NJ
Congratulations on successfully losing weight. Often the sequela of a significant weight loss in an individual with "large breasts" is the presentation of “sag.” So, in response to your question – the choice that you have is to proceed with a Mastopexy which is a Breast Lift. If the volume has been significantly reduced, we can add volume by either "auto augmentation" which is the utilization of adjacent excess skin and fat associated with the weight reduction, or we could supplement the volume with an implant!
The decision that remains is "when?” That determination will be based on several aspects involving your life style. Is it interfering with what you are currently doing? To what degree is it a problem? Are you currently involved with someone and your plans are to start a family in the immediate future? Or is this a far off decision? If the current situation is a significant disadvantage, you can proceed with the surgery, but be aware that the probability exists that a “redefinition of form” (another surgery) might be required after one has children. In some patients this might be a minor refinement but in others it might require a repeat of the original procedure. In my experience, once the variables have been presented and a solid decision is made, the patient is happy with their choice. It requires a consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon where all the aspects will be analyzed and a plan of treatment developed.
