Plastic Surgeon in Palo Alto Discusses Effects of Weight Loss on Breast Reduction

Posted on November 11, 2014

Dr. Lauren Greenberg describes the effect fat loss has on breast tissue and discusses common reasons why weight loss may occur after breast reduction surgery.

Palo Alto, CA—Skin is similar to a bathing suit, explains Dr. Lauren Greenberg, a plastic surgeon in Palo Alto. It starts out tight with excellent elasticity, but it loses the ability to return to its original shape after time and use, she says. After breast reduction surgery, she states that many women discover a renewed sense of confidence and less discomfort during exercise, which can lead to fat loss. As the skin that covers the breasts can often have difficulty tightening after weight loss, she says patients who are losing weight should expect to see some effect on the breasts.

Dr. Greenberg explains that during a breast reduction, the skin surrounding the breasts is lifted and tightened to help produce a firmer, more youthful appearance. If weight loss occurs post-surgery, she says the skin may not be able to shrink back with the breast tissue. Depending on the amount of weight loss and the patient’s unique anatomy, this could potentially reduce the size of breasts to a greater degree and may even cause a sagging or drooping effect.

The Palo Alto plastic surgeon further examines this process in a blog post titled, “Can Weight Loss Affect Your Breast Reduction?,” in which she also discusses some of the reasons patients choose breast reduction surgery, such as the desire to minimize discomfort while exercising. She also reveals some of the common theories for why post-procedure fat loss occurs, including an increase in self-esteem, enhanced awareness of body size, and recent participation in athletic activities.

Ultimately, Dr. Greenberg generally urges women to try and lose weight prior to surgery; however, as many as 25 percent of women will lose weight after breast reduction, she informs, so patients should be prepared for this possibility. She also recommends that patients should discuss these and any other concerns with their plastic surgeon during the initial consultation.

About Lauren Greenberg, MD

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Greenberg is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon operating a private practice in the Palo Alto area. A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, she relocated to California to complete her general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at Stanford University and went on to complete a fellowship in breast and cosmetic surgery in Nashville, TN. Dr. Greenberg is a member of several distinguished medical associations, including the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the California Medical Association, and she also donates her time and surgical skill to volunteer organizations. She is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Greenberg and her plastic surgery practice, please visit laurengreenbergmd.com and facebook.com/laurengreenbergmd.

Contact:

Lauren Greenberg, MD
750 Welch Rd. STE. 117
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 617- 9907

Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com