Breast Implants

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting breast implants. I am in the process of losing weight (40 pounds to date) so would also like to consult with you regarding how much more weight loss would be ideal before having the breast augmentation surgery. Thanks!

A: In the face of future weight loss the standard answer would be to wait until one’s weight loss is maximized before getting breast implants. Like all standard answers, however, the specific response for any patient must be further qualified. If one has no existing breast ptosis or sagging and not much residual breast tissue (volume) then further weight loss will have no impact on current breast implant size selection or whether ones needs a breast lift or would affect what type of breast lift one might need. However if one already has some breast sagging and /or some significant breast volume, further weight loss will affect both. And, as a result, any breast implant/enhancement decisions made now may be adversely affected when further weight loss occurs.

The final variable is this decision is the amount of weight loss one believes they can achieve before getting breast implants. As you have stated you seek a 40lb weight which would be considered substantial in how it could potentially affect your breasts. If it was a 10 or 15lb weight loss that amount would be considered to have a negligible influence on the current state of your breast shape and position on the chest wall.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana