Saggy Breasts

Many physical changes are recognized as universal signs of aging, and we will all experience at least some of them as time goes on.

For women, one of these common signs is breast sagging, medically known as breast ptosis. Breasts that were once round and perky start to droop and deflate. 

While saggy breasts may be bothersome, you have options to address the natural impacts of gravity and time. Dr. Rapaport and our team at Rapaport Plastic Surgery employ a variety of techniques to create full, lifted breasts.

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Learn More About Saggy Breasts

Breast ptosis is, at its core, an effect of gravity. Gravity is constantly pulling on your body, including your breasts. As time passes and your body ages, this pull leads to sagging. However, not all women will experience noticeable breast sagging. This is because some factors increase gravity’s effect on your breasts and decrease your resistance to it.

The primary risk factors for saggy breasts are age, weight, breast size, and pregnancy. Your breasts are more prone to sagging as you age because your skin loses elasticity over time, making it less resistant to gravity’s pull and less able to hold its shape. Similarly, if you lose significant weight, your skin may not shrink sufficiently and, therefore, lose its elasticity and firmness. Weight gain during pregnancy often contributes to this problem.

While it is a myth that breastfeeding increases your risk of breast ptosis, pregnancy does. This is due to weight fluctuations and hormonal changes, causing milk ducts to shrink and expand. Consequently, a breast lift is often included in a mommy makeover.

Breast size is the most noticeable factor in breast sagging. Larger breasts are more likely to sag with time because they are more weighed down by gravity. Because breast size often increases with pregnancy, this is another reason women who have multiple pregnancies–regardless of breastfeeding–are more likely to experience breast ptosis.

Since breast sagging is primarily a result of gravity, time, and breast size, there is little you can do to prevent the problem. Women with overly large breasts may undergo breast reduction, not only to help minimize sagging but also to reduce associated discomforts like back pain and skin irritation. 

One of the best ways to prevent saggy breasts in the future is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a stable, healthy weight will minimize breast sagging. Lifestyle factors like diet, smoking, and sun exposure can also contribute to skin elasticity, so protecting yourself from sun damage and not smoking may also keep breast ptosis at bay.

For women bothered by saggy breasts after weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or the natural aging process, there are surgical solutions to restore more youthful breasts. The most common procedure for sagging breasts is a breast lift, also known as mastopexy. 

Breast Lift

A breast lift does exactly that–lifts the breasts, repositioning them higher on the chest wall for a more youthful appearance. The procedure involves reshaping and tightening the tissue and skin. In some cases, the areola may also be repositioned.

Though a breast lift can dramatically improve sagging, it can make the breasts appear slightly smaller, which may be undesirable for those starting with small breasts or those who have lost volume after pregnancy or menopause. In these cases, mastopexy combined with breast augmentation may be the best solution. Alternatively, women with sagging and overly large breasts may undergo breast reduction and a breast lift simultaneously.

Take the Next Step

Every patient’s transformation journey at Rapaport Plastic Surgery begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Rapaport. To learn more about mastopexy and determine if it’s the right choice for you, fill out the form below or call us at (212) 249-9955 to schedule an appointment. Our team is dedicated to providing the best plastic surgery NYC has to offer.

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