Breast Lift After Weight Loss Columbus

After losing a significant amount of weight due to bariatric surgery, many women are concerned about the appearance of their breasts. Because breasts are composed mostly of fat, sagging and flattening of the breast contour are common problems after bariatric surgery. Columbus, Ohio surgeons Bivik Shah can help you achieve your post-weight loss surgery goals, as countless Ohio residents have already discovered.

Just like other types of post-weight loss surgery performed at our Ohio practice, breast enhancement after bariatric surgery differs from standard cosmetic breast enhancement. In general, longer incisions are required due to the large amounts of skin that need to be removed. Also, longer recovery times, usually three or four weeks, can be expected with this type of bariatric surgery. Ohio doctors Bivik Shah offers both breast lift and breast augmentation procedures to patients requiring breast surgery after weight loss.

Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?

When considering breast surgery, you will need to decide on whether you want a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of the two. You should be assured that choosing implants does not necessarily mean that large, disproportionate breasts will be the result. Remember, the object of post-weight loss surgery by Ohio doctors Bivik Shah is to reconstruct the contour as it existed before your weight loss. A breast lift alone will remove excess skin and elevate the breasts to a higher position on the chest; however, many women may be dissatisfied with the results of breast lift because their breasts will continue to be flat on top, with a lack of cleavage.

Breast implants, on the other hand, can provide you with natural looking, beautiful breasts that will enhance the new figure that you've achieved through bariatric surgery. At the Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery, we will present you with all the available options and let you make the decision that's right for you.

Breast Surgery Procedure

Usually performed as an outpatient procedure, post- bariatric breast surgery by Columbus surgeon Bivik Shah can be completed either at the Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery or at any Columbus-area hospital that's convenient to you. In most cases, patients are allowed to go home on the day of surgery. If you are having a breast lift and augmentation at the same time, Dr. Shah will be able to complete the procedure in about three hours. Less experienced surgeons require two surgeries for the lift and augmentation, thereby increasing the chance of poor scar healing; however, Dr. Shah is usually able to combine the two procedures in order to minimize postoperative discomfort.

The incision for a breast lift with implants traces the areola, moves in a line down the middle of the breast, and traces the crease of the breast. This configuration allows Dr. Shah to more effectively remove excess skin and move the breast to a higher point on the chest. Once the surgery is complete, you will be fitted with a compression garment, to be worn for approximately six weeks. As long as your job does not require lifting or bending, you will be able to return to work about two weeks after surgery. You may notice that it takes up to six weeks for you to feel that you are “back to normal.”

As with any post- bariatric surgery, our Ohio patients should be aware that there are possible risks involved with breast lift and breast augmentation. The standard risks of surgery, which are rare, include infection, excessive bleeding, and blood clots. More specific to skin removal surgery, fluid collection and suture failure may also be concerns. Fortunately, these conditions are by no means serious, and doctor Bivik Shah is very careful about monitoring the progress of your healing on a regular basis after your surgery. They will be sure that you understand all the possible risks at the time of your consultation.

Almost as important as the bariatric surgery itself, post weight loss surgery helps our Ohio patients to feel more confident, in addition to addressing the medical necessity of removing excess skin. If your breasts need revitalization after bariatric surgery, contact the Columbus, Ohio office of Dr. Bivik Shah immediately. With the help of Dr. Shah, you can come one step closer to achieving your goal of having a healthy, beautiful body.