Posted by Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 17/05/2024
What causes sagging breasts or breast ptosis? This condition affects the self-esteem of many women, as having firm breasts is synonymous with femininity. This condition is associated with collagen loss, which causes skin laxity. Below, we will delve deeper into the causes and treatments of this issue.
What are sagging breasts?
Sagging breasts refer to the descent of the breast due to stretching and weakening of the skin and ligaments that support them. From a medical standpoint, it is known as breast ptosis and is a natural process that occurs in all women.
The severity of breast sagging varies from woman to woman, although in women with larger breasts this situation is more evident.
Breast laxity occurs due to collagen loss that accompanies aging, but there are other factors that influence the process, such as diet and nutrition.
Factors that influence skin elasticity
Collagen is a protein that influences skin elasticity and, therefore, helps maintain firm breast tissue. However, starting at age 25, its natural production decreases. And from age 40 onwards, the loss accelerates even further.
As collagen is lost, the skin and ligaments of the breasts stretch, causing the breasts to lose their natural position and sag. Collagen production is associated with a woman’s genetics, so the age at which aging begins to become noticeable varies from person to person.
Main causes of sagging breasts
Genetics
A woman’s genetics is a determining factor in sagging breasts. Some women have a greater genetic predisposition to have sagging breasts. If a woman’s relatives have breast ptosis, it is very likely that she will too.
Hormonal changes
Natural aging also causes breast sagging. Collagen loss plays a role here, as it is what gives skin elasticity. The breasts are held in place thanks to ligaments and skin—they have no other support. So as collagen begins to be lost, breasts tend to sag.
During pregnancy and lactation, the breasts increase and decrease in size; consequently, the skin stretches and the ligaments weaken. After breastfeeding, the internal tissues shrink, but the skin that has stretched remains the same, resulting in sagging.
Rapid weight gain and loss
Among the causes of sagging breasts, rapid weight changes should also be mentioned. When a woman loses a lot of weight in a short time, the breasts lose fat and sag.
External factors and lifestyle
Tobacco causes accelerated degradation of skin collagen, so elasticity and firmness are lost, meaning that women who smoke are more prone to breast sagging.
Also, excessive sun exposure without adequate protection has a negative impact on collagen production in the skin, and consequently elasticity is lost, making it more susceptible to laxity.
Finally, wearing inadequate bras or not wearing this garment favors laxity, especially if intense physical activity is performed.
A balanced diet not only influences a person’s overall health but also the health and appearance of the skin.
Symptoms and signs of breast ptosis
How to identify if your breasts are sagging
In some cases it is easy to identify when a woman has breast ptosis, but in others it is more complicated. The appropriate way to make an accurate diagnosis is through a professional evaluation.
A physician will perform a personalized assessment of the patient to determine if she has breast ptosis and how complex the issue is.
However, there are some signs you can check on your breasts that may be early indicators of sagging, such as: the nipple position at the same level or below the inframammary fold, breasts with a more elongated or oval shape instead of natural roundness, breasts with less volume in the upper portion, and breasts with a texture that feels lax or wrinkled.
Grades of sagging: mild, moderate, severe
The severity of breast sagging varies from woman to woman and is classified by grades:
- Grade 1: cases where the areola is at the level of the inframammary fold. It is common in small breasts.
- Grade 2: in this case the areola is located below the inframammary fold.
- Grade 3: this is the most severe and indicates that the areola is located below the inframammary crease.
Treatment options to lift the breasts
There are various solutions to correct sagging breasts. Some alternatives are only temporary, but mastopexy is a permanent solution.
Surgical treatments
There are various solutions to correct sagging breasts. Some alternatives are only temporary, but mastopexy is a permanent solution. There are also other surgical options.
- Mastopexy (breast lift). Mastopexy or breast lift surgery is recommended for women with moderate to severe ptosis. This surgery consists of removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more natural position.
- Mastopexy + breast implants. Mastopexy surgery can be combined with breast augmentation using implants to provide greater volume.
- Breast reduction. The opposite case can also occur, where the patient has very large breasts and requires a reduction mammaplasty.
- Lift with autologous fat. Another technique that allows improving the shape of the breasts is augmentation and lifting using the patient’s own fat. This option requires prior liposuction in which fat is extracted from other parts of the body, processed and purified, and then injected into the breast area.
Non-surgical treatments
Among non-surgical solutions, we can mention the use of proper bras that provide sufficient support to the breasts. Those with padding help create the illusion of greater breast volume.
On the other hand, specific chest exercises help tone the muscles and improve breast shape. Chest presses, dumbbell flyes, and chest presses with resistance bands or weights are options that help correct posture and strengthen the pectoral area, so it looks more toned and with better projection.
Another option is the application of firming creams and cosmetic products that improve the firmness and appearance of sagging breasts. These contain collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A and C, and also provide hydration and keep the skin healthy.
Regular massages in the breast area, using natural oils, help improve circulation and breast firmness. As do cold water showers.
There are also non-invasive aesthetic treatments, such as radiofrequency, which through heat waves improves firmness and collagen production; ultrasound, which with sound waves achieves a lifting effect; and mesotherapy, which with the injection of active substances helps elasticity and firmness of the pectoral area.
Postoperative care and recovery from surgery
After surgery there will be swelling and some discomfort will be felt. The patient must follow the postoperative care for mastopexy that the surgeon indicates for a successful recovery without complications.
The recommendations include:
- During the first 48 hours after surgery you should rest completely.
- Wear a special bra to provide support and keep the breast in place.
- Take the medications indicated by the surgeon to reduce discomfort and prevent infections.
- Do not strain, lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activities during the time indicated by the surgeon.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions to care for the incisions.
Prevention and care
Aging is inevitable and the passage of time will affect the breasts. However, there are some measures that can be taken to prevent breast sagging. First, wear appropriate bras, especially when practicing physical activities. Additionally, it is recommended to include exercises that strengthen the pectoral muscles.
Likewise, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to avoid sudden weight changes. This includes consuming enough proteins and nutrients to protect the tissues.
Avoid smoking, as it affects collagen production and therefore reduces skin quality. Keep the skin of your breasts hydrated and apply sunscreen. These measures will allow you to delay the appearance of sagging breasts. But when ptosis becomes a problem it can be solved through surgery, via mastopexy Madrid
