Could Breast Augmentation Cause You To Gain Weight? (2024)

If you’re like most cosmetic surgery patients, maintaining a stable and healthy weight is important. Seeing your weight begin to climb after a procedure can understandably be frustrating. For some patients, however, this is a normal and expected postsurgical phenomenon. Renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi and the caring team at SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA fully understand why postoperative weight gain can be discouraging and are committed to helping patients minimize weight gain and return to their ideal shape as soon as possible after surgery. Learn more about gaining weight after breast augmentation here, including what may be causing it and how you can shed the excess pounds quickly and safely.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an exceptionally popular form of breast enhancement surgery used to increase the volume and size of the breast. In most cases, this is accomplished with the use of synthetic breast implants (silicone gel or saline) or fat transfer to the breast.

What breast augmentation side effects are possible?

Breast augmentation has a relatively low rate of risk, though some side effects or complications may be possible, including:

  • Poor cosmetic result
  • Asymmetry
  • Implant malfunction
  • Implant displacement
  • Ruptured implant
  • Leaking implant
  • Capsular contracture
  • Prolonged pain, numbness, or sensitivity
  • Allergic or adverse reaction
  • Breast implant illness
  • BIA-ALCL

While the vast majority of women tolerate breast augmentation relatively well, the risk of complication increases for patients who:

  • Are in poor health
  • Smoke
  • Select an inappropriate implant size or type
  • Choose an inexperienced surgeon
  • Do not follow postoperative guidelines and recommendations

Is it normal to gain weight after breast augmentation?

Weight gain after getting breast implants is another possible side effect, though it is typically subtle, temporary, and primarily associated with postsurgical swelling. In some cases, postsurgical swelling may account for up to 5 – 10 pounds of excess weight after breast augmentation, though patients should notice their weight returning to normal as the swelling subsides, which may take up to 2 – 3 weeks. In addition to postoperative swelling, possible causes of breast augmentation weight gain include:

  • Swelling/fluid retention
  • Decreased physical activity during recovery
  • Constipation caused by pain medication
  • Added weight of breast implants themselves

How long does weight gain after breast augmentation last?

For most women, the minimal weight gain associated with swelling after breast augmentation naturally disappears, along with the swelling, after about 2 – 3 weeks. However, because strenuous physical activity and exercise are usually restricted for about 4 – 6 weeks after breast augmentation, some patients may notice their weight coming to a standstill or even continuing to climb. While this can certainly be frustrating, try to be patient and maintain a healthy, balanced diet during this time period. Once you have been cleared to resume your fitness routine, you may find that the excess weight comes off as quickly as it appeared. If you are experiencing significant or prolonged weight gain after breast augmentation, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon for re-evaluation.

Minimize postoperative weight gain after breast augmentation in Newport Beach, CA

Most women don’t like the idea of gaining weight, but it is important to remember that extra weight after cosmetic surgery is likely to be superficial, subtle, and temporary. To minimize postsurgical swelling and weight gain after breast augmentation, be sure to follow Dr. Kelishadi’s recovery guidelines closely, including wearing compression garments and maintaining a healthy diet.

If you are interested in learning more about the exciting transformations that are possible with breast augmentation, call the knowledgeable team at SSK Plastic Surgery to schedule your private in-office or virtual consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today. We look forward to helping you get the feminine, sexy, striking physique you’ve always wanted with advanced breast augmentation in Newport Beach!

Could Breast Augmentation Cause You To Gain Weight? (2024)

FAQs

Could Breast Augmentation Cause You To Gain Weight? ›

Many women find that they gain some weight

weight
Human body weight is a person's mass or weight. Strictly speaking, body weight is the measurement of weight without items located on the person.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Human_body_weight
after undergoing breast augmentation. In most instances, only 3-5 pounds are gained after your procedure. While some of this weight gain is caused by the presence of breast implants in your body, there are other factors that account for the rest of the weight.

Why did I gain so much weight after breast augmentation? ›

This excess fluid can account for most of the weight you gain after breast augmentation. While most of this fluid retention will resolve on its own within a few months as your body heals, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. Dr. Lee can prescribe a mild diuretic if necessary.

Is weight gain a side effect of breast implants? ›

Weight gain after getting breast implants is another possible side effect, though it is typically subtle, temporary, and primarily associated with postsurgical swelling.

Do breast implants slow your metabolism? ›

Implants are loosely linked to weight gain, and they can slow down your metabolism over time. Removing implants can speed up metabolism and make it easier to lose weight and keep it off over time.

Why did I gain 5 pounds after surgery? ›

It's just fluid weight, and it's temporary. Surgery is stressful for your body. It's response is to move a significant amount of fluid from your blood vessels to the space between the blood vessels and your cells.

Can implants cause big tummy? ›

According to one study, while some women have reported weight gain after getting the implant, the implant itself might not be the cause. Although some women might find they gain weight after getting the implant, this could be related to other factors like changes in lifestyle or natural body changes over time.

Why is my stomach big after breast augmentation? ›

During recovery, patients tend to spend more time on the sofa or in bed relaxing as their movement is somewhat restricted, resulting in reduced physical activity. The body can feel sluggish, and the reduced mobility can lead to fluid retention, swelling and bloating.

How much weight does a boob job add? ›

The amount of weight gain that occurs following breast augmentation is dependent upon the size of the breast implants utilized. In general terms, one cc equals one gram and there are 454 grams in a pound. Therefore, two 450 cc implants would result in a two pound weight gain.

Do breast implants affect your body fat percentage? ›

It could certainly impact another method of calculating body fat, though, and the results may be different in one of the other systems than in Styku's, certainly. For example, the Jackson-Pollock method for determining body fat % via calipers uses a chest skinfold that could definitely be impacted by implants.

What is the negative impact of breast implants? ›

Symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, rash, "brain fog," and joint pain may be associated with breast implants. Some patients may use the term "breast implant illness" (BII) to describe these symptoms. Researchers are investigating these symptoms to better understand their origins.

What causes rapid weight gain after surgery? ›

The most common cause of weight gain after surgery is fluid retention, also known as postoperative edema. Edema occurs when extra fluid builds up in your body to respond to inflammation and promote healing. It may also be caused by intravenous (IV) fluids given during surgery.

Why did I suddenly gain 6 pounds? ›

There are many possible causes of rapid weight gain, including anxiety and depression, insomnia, certain medications, and hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of your sudden weight gain.

Why am I gaining weight after plastic surgery? ›

Fluid will fill the wounded areas and likely cause swelling and sensitivity which can be painful and lead to temporary weight gain. Your body may also attempt to redistribute fat across your body, so shifting in weight is also natural.

How long does fluid retention last after breast surgery? ›

Swelling soon after the operation is common and will usually settle over time. Your treatment team may call this swelling oedema. The swelling may affect your breast, chest wall, shoulder and arm. It's a normal part of the healing process and should lessen 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery.

Do breast implants make you look heavier? ›

Increasing your breast size adds curves without adding the appearance of extra weight. Thinner women often desire more hourglass-shaped curves but don't want to look heavier than they are. Properly sized implants achieve this by adding volume in the areas where you want it and not in the areas you don't.

What happens if you use your muscles too much after breast augmentation? ›

AVOID EXERCISING TOO FAST AND TOO SOON

The primary issue that can arise is using your chest muscles too soon before the healing process is completed. Doing strenuous exercise with your pectoral muscles could damage the implants or make extra scar tissue grow. You also could tear your stitches and causes bleeding.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 6623

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.