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Say Goodbye to Sagging Breasts

Posted September 13, 2024 in Breast Lift Surgery

Women with perky breasts, black top, arms crossed

Women’s breasts undergo many changes as the years pass. Weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process can all cause breasts to sag. This blog discusses breast ptosis, why breasts sag, and what can be achieved with breast lift surgery. 

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Breast Ptosis 

Sagging breasts, also known as breast ptosis, is a natural and common condition that typically occurs as a result of aging. When breast ptosis occurs, the breasts sag lower on the chest, the nipples droop downwards, and the skin on the breasts is typically looser. Overall, this usually contributes to a deflated and sagging appearance. 

Many women dislike it when their breasts sag, especially if it makes them feel older than they actually are. It can be disheartening to watch the quality of your skin elasticity diminish and see your breasts change to a dramatically different appearance. Some women may feel like they can no longer go braless with their saggy breasts and may feel like their clothing options are more limited as they don’t want to highlight their breasts’ appearance anymore. 

It can be difficult to feel comfortable in your body when there’s a feature, such as the breasts, that harbors insecurities. Some women may feel discouraged as they notice these changes in their breasts and feel like there’s nothing they can do to stop sagging from occurring. Fortunately, you don’t have to just sit back and let these aging signs prevail. Breast lift surgery is an option for women to rejuvenate their breasts and restore a youthful breast profile. 

Why Do Breasts Sag? 

Even the most firm and perky breasts are not immune to the forces of gravity over time. The natural aging process involves skin losing elasticity, resulting in loose, sagging skin. Heavier breasts may sag sooner than breasts that are on the smaller side due to their weight dragging them downwards. While many of us may prefer to avoid aging signs altogether, aging is a natural and inevitable part of life. 

Aside from natural aging, other causes of breast sagging include weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. When women undergo significant weight loss, they sometimes lose fat and volume in their breasts, yet the skin remains. This means there is an excess amount of skin in proportion to the breast size, resulting in sagging breasts. Unfortunately, no amount of exercise can remove the excess skin around the breasts. 

During pregnancy, the body goes through many adjustments, including weight fluctuations and hormonal changes. Breasts typically grow larger during pregnancy and stay at this larger size throughout the first few months of breastfeeding. Many women have their breasts return to their normal size once they’ve stopped breastfeeding. This change in breast size can result in excess droopy skin, as the skin no longer holds the same amount of breast volume.   

Does Going Braless Cause Breasts to Sag?

Some people may think that regularly not wearing a bra may cause their breasts to sag. Other women may think that going braless will prevent their breasts from sagging. However, neither of these statements is necessarily true. There have not been conclusive studies to support whether wearing a bra or not wearing a bra causes breast ptosis. Whether you find comfort in wearing bras daily or forgo bras altogether, the decision is ultimately yours. 

For women who do choose to wear bras regularly, it is recommended to find a bra that fits correctly and supports the breasts without suffocating them. A properly fitted bra provides comfort throughout the day and will also support your breasts so your back doesn’t slump from the weight of your chest. 

Can You Lift Sagging Breasts Naturally? 

Women struggling with breast ptosis may search for methods that promise to “naturally” lift breasts without surgery. Yet once excess skin is present, the only way to remove it is through a surgical procedure, such as a breast lift. Any alternative methods or non-surgical treatment will not produce the same results that breast lift surgery creates. 

What Can a Breast Lift Achieve? 

A breast lift is a transformative procedure that elevates the breasts to a higher position on the chest for a perkier, more youthful look. During a breast lift, your surgeon will create incisions around the breasts, allowing them to reposition the underlying breast tissue into a firmer and more attractive shape. If the areola size is disproportionate to the breast size, then the areola perimeter can be trimmed to reach the desired size. The nipples will be repositioned so they complement the newly lifted position of the breasts. Excess breast skin that is causing a droopy appearance will be trimmed, and the remaining skin will be tightened so the breasts will be firm and elevated. 

Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation in Birmingham, AL 

If you’re struggling with the appearance of sagging breasts and it’s affecting your day-to-day confidence, it may be time to consider breast lift surgery. During a breast lift consultation, you’ll discuss your medical history, areas of concern, and desired results, which will help Dr. Cohn determine your candidacy for this procedure. If you are determined to be a good candidate for a breast lift, a customized treatment plan will be created detailing the specific incisions and other techniques that will be used to achieve your aesthetic vision. 

To learn more about breast lift surgery or to schedule your consultation, call Cohn Plastic Surgery at (205) 590-9900 or fill out our online contact form

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