Post-Ozempic breast contouring is a collection of treatments that improve the breast contour after weight loss medication use. These medications promote weight loss by curbing hunger and regulating blood sugar levels. Though patient results are often astounding, losing weight in this way can lead to unwanted volume loss in the face, buttocks, and breasts, causing loose skin and sagging. Post-Ozempic breast contouring can include a breast lift, breast augmentation, and/or fat transfer to the chest to improve their shape and enhance their projection.

Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon performing all major aesthetic procedures at New York Surgical Arts. With locations in NYC and Long Island, Dr. Andan provides patients in the area and beyond with quality cosmetic care. He takes pride in performing safe surgeries that lead to natural-looking results for every patient.

If you recently lost weight with the help of weight loss medications like Ozempic and have noticed volume loss in your breasts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Andan today by calling (516) 746-0155 or contacting us online.

What is Post-Ozempic Breast Contouring?

Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have recently increased in popularity due to their ability to assist in rapid weight loss. They contain semaglutide and tirzepatide respectively, two powerful peptides that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists. These compounds stimulate the production of insulin in the pancreas and improve the glycemic control of the patient to promote weight loss. ⁽¹⁾

After a patient continuously implements these medications into their weight loss treatment plan, they tend to lose more weight at a quicker pace than they would have without them. This is the intention, of course, but it often comes with unexpected consequences. When the human body rapidly shrinks fat deposits, it loses volume and collects loose skin in multiple areas. Patients often lose stubborn fat from their thighs, arms, and abdomen, but they can also lose noticeable volume in the buttocks (“Ozempic butt”), face (“Ozempic face”), and breasts (“Ozempic breast”). To remedy this, Dr. Andan can perform safe and effective surgical procedures to replenish the lost volume and tighten the skin of the breasts.

Breast Contouring Procedures

Breast Lift

Depending on the patient’s circumstances, Dr. Andan can perform a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both to improve their breast contour after medical weight loss. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and repositions tissue to enhance the breast and restore a youthful-looking contour.

There are four main types of breast lifts:

These techniques use a different incision pattern that accommodates different levels of ptosis (sagging) in the breasts. Dr. Andan removes skin from around and underneath the nipple-areola complex and shifts the breast tissue and nipple higher onto the chest wall. He then places internal sutures to secure the breast in a more lifted position. A breast lift is also suitable for patients who have experienced pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Breast Augmentation with Implants

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure wherein Dr. Andan increases the size and improves the shape of the breasts using implants. There are two main types of breast implants, saline-based and silicone-based. Saline breast implants often require a smaller incision, whereas silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts after implantation. ⁽²⁾ Alternatively, breast augmentation can be more natural with the use of fat grafting (fat transfer). Dr. Andan assists patients in choosing the right type of breast augmentation for their body and aesthetic desires.

During the procedure, Dr. Andan first makes incisions around the areola or along the breast crease so any scarring is easily concealed by clothing and the patient’s natural contours. Next, he creates a pocket above or below the pectoral muscle and carefully inserts the implant. This secures it in place and creates a natural-looking breast appearance. Dr. Andan finishes the surgery by suturing the incisions and placing a compression garment to curb swelling.

Breast Augmentation and Lift

Though breast augmentation with implants increases the size and improves the shape of the breasts, it cannot treat sagging skin. For patients with large amounts of excess skin and volume loss, Dr. Andan can combine a breast augmentation and breast lift to enhance their results. He performs the breast augmentation first to place the implant and examine how much skin requires removal. Next, he reshapes the breast into a more youthful-looking shape before placing deep sutures within the fascia. This reinforces the altered contour and improves overall safety and results for the patient. Dr. Andan sutures the incisions, cleans the treatment area, and places a compression garment to aid recovery.

Benefits of Post-Ozempic Breast Contouring

Once a patient has reached their goal weight, they often experience a huge sense of accomplishment. Their body contour is typically more proportionate and their confidence has increased dramatically. This can all be stifled by the loss of volume and large amounts of droopy skin. Post-Ozempic breast contouring tackles this by greatly improving the chest contour, leading to optimal overall results for the patient.

Breast contouring after rapid weight loss can:

Ideal Breast Contouring Candidates

Patients qualify for this type of breast enhancement if they are in good overall health and have the desire to improve their breast shape or size after weight loss. They should have realistic expectations about their surgery results and have no serious underlying medical conditions that would impede healing. The ideal candidate does not smoke, but Dr. Andan can make exceptions for those who commit to quitting all tobacco and nicotine use for several weeks before and after surgery.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Andan

During your consultation, Dr. Andan will review your medical history and inquire about your weight loss journey. This will help him plan your procedure according to your cosmetic goals and current breast contour. Then, he will examine the treatment area and create your procedure outline. Because everyone’s body is unique, he will determine which surgery will benefit you the most and achieve your cosmetic desires. If augmentation suits you, he will explain the importance of choosing the right implant type and size.

Post-Ozempic breast contouring can consist of a single surgery or a customized combination of treatments. Dr. Andan will ensure you are properly prepared for your procedure by providing all the information you need during this consultation. If you are curious about other skin tightening and rejuvenation treatments, please read our blog for more information.

Preparation

To best prepare for breast contouring surgery, patients should avoid blood thinning medications like NSAIDs and certain herbal supplements. Refrain from drinking alcohol and keep a healthy and active lifestyle in the weeks leading up to your procedure. This makes the recovery process smooth and greatly reduces the risk of adverse effects. It is important to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility on the day of your procedure, as well as to have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours following the surgery. Leading a healthy lifestyle can contribute to successful surgery and recovery. This may include maintaining a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, managing stress levels, and getting adequate rest and sleep leading up to the surgery date.

Recovery

Each patient experiences their own unique recovery process after breast contouring. The length of necessary downtime varies depending on the chosen procedure, but most patients return to work after 2 to 3 weeks of recovery. For optimal healing, patients should wear their compression garments according to Dr. Andan’s instructions. Around the 5th or 6th postoperative week, many patients can expect to reach a full recovery barring any adverse effects. It may take 2 months or longer before they are comfortable enough to return to the gym and other activities.

Results

After a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of the two, patients can expect their chest contour to settle and become more natural-looking through the recovery process. If they received implants, the breasts can initially look unnaturally high or too structured, but this resolves gradually. The results of post-Ozempic breast contouring are long-lasting and comprehensive. Excluding normal effects of aging on the skin, a patient’s breast structure will be youthful-looking and restored for many years after the surgery.

Post-Ozempic Body Contouring

After significant weight loss, the breasts are not the only part of the body that can lose volume and collect excess skin. There are many other procedures that offer relief for patients experiencing these dramatic body changes, including:

Contouring the body after Ozempic treatment or other medical weight loss methods can be extremely fulfilling, especially if excess skin keeps a patient from comfortably living their life. Body contouring procedures, minus liposuction, focus on skin removal to help patients accentuate their new figure. Much like a breast lift, these surgeries can tighten, smooth, and restore the contour of many different parts of the body. They can be combined to create full-body lifts for those who wish to improve more than one area at a time.

How Much Does Post-Ozempic Breast Contouring Cost in NYC?

Dr. Andan offers fair cost estimations during your private consultation at New York Surgical Arts. To schedule yours, please do not hesitate to call our office at (516) 746-0155, or you can visit us in person at our New York City or Long Island locations. We look forward to speaking with you!

FAQ

References

1. Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2021;70(1):jim-2021-001952. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/jim-2021-001952
2. Foroushani FT, Dzobo K, Khumalo NP, Mora VZ, de Mezerville R, Bayat A. Advances in surface modifications of the silicone breast implant and impact on its biocompatibility and biointegration. Biomaterials Research. 2022;26(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40824-022-00314-1