The sagging of breast tissue is a part of the natural aging changes. As breasts are made of fat and ligaments, the sagging tissue can not be strengthened with exercise or physical activity.
What is Breast Sagging?
The medical term for breast sagging is breast ptosis. It simply means that the breasts droop lower than normal and the nipple may be pointing downwards. Based on severity, breast sagging is divided into three types, first- degree, second-degree, and third-degree.
7 Common Causes For Breast Sagging
The seven most common causes that lead to sagging of breast tissue are:
Age-related Sagging
With advancing age, the breasts begin to lose their natural support system. The elasticity of the ligaments decreases, and there is fat loss. It leads to drooping and loss of fullness.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy and menopause alter the morphology of the breast. Pregnancy-induced weight gain leads to heavier breasts, the extra bulk stretches the ligaments and skin, and may eventually lead to sagging of the breast tissue. The loss of estrogen in menopause causes shrinking of the mammary glands/ducts, decreases firmness, and drooping of breast tissue.
Weight Loss
Sudden or drastic weight loss affects fat stores all over the body. Breasts are predominantly made of fat. Weight loss leads to fat shrinkage and sagging in breast tissue.
Gravity
The pull of gravity over time leads to the sagging of breasts. This change is more noticeable in larger and heavier breasts comparatively.
Smoking and UV-damage
Yes, smoking also causes saggy breasts. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on the skin and tissues all over the body. The damage becomes irreversible if you don’t quit the habit. Excessive sun exposure and UV rays damage skin and decrease its elasticity. Eventually, these changes cause the skin over the breasts to sag.
Genetics
Some people may be genetically predisposed to develop breast sagging. Breasts contain fats, proteins, and collagen. The development of all of these is controlled by DNA. This is particularly true for people with larger breasts. Extra weight and gravity, with time, cause the sagging.
Insufficient Support
Wearing the wrong bra size is a common cause of sagging breasts. The damage from insufficient support accumulates over the years and the change is more noticeable in heavier breasts.
How to Fix Sagging Breasts
Cosmetic breast procedures have moved past simple breast implants. Many options are available to people who want to fix their sagging breast tissue. The three most common surgical procedures for addressing this problem include:
Breast Lift
The procedure is also called Mastopexy. As the name suggests, a surgeon reshapes breast tissue, removes excess skin, and lifts them to their normal/natural position in this procedure. The main indication for a breast lift or Mastopexy is sagging breasts where the nipple is pointing downwards. Although a breast lift doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding, It may affect the volume of the breast milk produced.
Mastopexy and Implants
A breast lift generally lifts the breasts and moves the nipple back to its natural position. For any changes in the size of the breasts, the procedure is combined with a breast implant insertion. Women suffering from sagging as well as shrinking of breast tissue may avail of this option.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation or breast implant surgery works on the principle that inserting an implant will lift the breast and move the nipple back into a natural position. It is a viable solution for minor cases of breast sagging, breast shrinkage, and for people with good skin elasticity. For people with large breasts or low skin elasticity, this may not be the best option.
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is done to decrease the size of the breasts. Larger breasts cause bad posture and sagging. If the sagging issues stem from breast size then this surgery may be the way to go. A cosmetic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin, and reposition the nipple to give a perkier and lifted appearance.
Benefits of Surgical Breast Lifting
Breast lifting procedures are not just for cosmetic enhancement, they have many health benefits as well. Sagging breasts may cause bad posture, lead to backaches, and impede many daily activities. Lifting procedures improve posture and enhance skin health by removing excess skin folds and creases. Patients feel an improvement in physical activity levels and a boost in confidence and comfort.
Unless it is for a medical condition, most cosmetic procedures have none to partial insurance coverage and hence are very expensive. To avoid this conundrum, you may choose a trusted and affordable medical tourism destination such as Istanbul, Türkiye.
Istanbul is known for its thriving and professional cosmetic surgery scene. There are many reputable hospitals/clinics to choose from. Such as Vanity Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, Turkiana clinic, Memorial hospital, etc.
