Published by Dr MIguel Fernadez Calderón: 17/05/2024
What causes saggy breasts or ptosis mammaria? This condition affects the self-esteem of many women, since having firm breasts is synonymous with femininity. This condition is associated with the loss of collagen, which causes sagging skin. Next, we will delve into the causes and treatments of this problem.
What are saggy breasts?
Sagging breasts refer to the lowering of the breast due to stretching and weakening of the skin and ligaments that support them. From a medical point of view, it is known as ptosis mammaria and is a natural process that occurs in all women.
The severity of breast sagging varies from one woman to another, although in women with large breasts it is more evident.
Breast sagging occurs due to the loss of collagen that accompanies aging, but there are other factors that influence the process, such as diet and nutrition.
Factors influencing skin elasticity
Collagen is a protein that influences the elasticity of the skin and therefore contributes to keeping breast tissue firm. However, after the age of 25, its natural production is reduced. And from the age of 40 onwards, the loss of collagen accelerates even more.
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 saggy breasts. There are those who are more genetically predisposed to have saggy breasts. If a woman's relatives have breast ptosis, it is very likely that she will also have them.
Impact of aging
Natural aging also causes the breasts to sag. This is influenced by the loss of collagen, which is what gives elasticity to the skin. Breasts are held in place by ligaments and skin, they have no more support. So as soon as the collagen starts to be lost, the breasts tend to sag.
Consequences of pregnancy and lactation
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 been stretched remains the same, resulting in sagging.
Among the causes of breast sagging are also sudden weight changes. When a woman loses a lot of weight in a short period of time, the breasts lose fat and sag.
Smoking also affects elasticity, so women who smoke are more prone to saggy breast.
Finally, excessive exposure to the sun, as well as the use of unsuitable bras, can lead to flaccidity.
Diagnostic methods
In some cases it is easy to identify when a woman has breast ptosis, but in others it is more complicated. The proper way to make an accurate diagnosis is through a professional evaluation.
A physician will perform a personalized study of the patient to determine if she has breast ptosis and how complex the problem is.
The severity of breast sagging varies from woman to woman and is classified in degrees:
- First degree: those cases in which the mammary areola is at the level of the submammary fold. It is common in small breasts.
- Second degree: in this case the mammary areola is below the submammary fold.
- Third degree: it is the most severe and indicates that the mammary areola is below the inframammary fold.
Treatment options for breast lift
There are several solutions to correct sagging breasts. Some alternatives are only temporary, but mastopexy is a permanent solution.
Non-surgical solutions
Among the non-surgical solutions we can mention the use of appropriate bras, which give sufficient support to the breasts. Those with padding help to create the illusion of more volume in the breast.
On the other hand, specific exercises for the chest help to tone the muscles and improve the shape of the breasts.
Breast lift surgery
Mastopexy or breast augmentation surgery is recommended for women with moderate to severe ptosis. This surgery consists of removing excess skin and relocating the nipple-areola complex to a more natural position.
It may be accompanied by a breast augmentation with implants to give more volume. The opposite case may also occur, that the patient has a very large breast and requires a reduction mammoplasty.
Postoperative care and recovery
After surgery there will be swelling and some discomfort will be felt. The patient must follow the postoperative mastopexy care indicated by the surgeon for a successful and smooth recovery.
Tips include:
- During the first 48 hours after surgery, you must rest absolutely.
- Wear a special bra to provide support and keep the breast in place.
- Take the medications prescribed by the surgeon to reduce discomfort and prevent infection.
- You should not exert force, lift heavy objects or strenuous activities during the time indicated by the surgeon.
- Follow the doctor's instructions for wound care.
Prevention and care
Aging is inevitable and the passage of time will take its toll on the breasts. However, there are some measures that can be taken to prevent breast sagging. First of all, wear appropriate bras, especially when practicing physical activities. In addition, it is recommended to include exercises that strengthen the pectorals.
It is also important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to avoid sudden weight changes. This includes consuming sufficient protein and nutrients to protect tissues.
Avoid smoking, as it affects collagen production and therefore reduces the quality of the skin. Keep the skin of the breasts hydrated and apply sunscreen. These measures will allow you to delay the appearance of saggy breasts. But when ptosis becomes a problem it can be solved surgically, through mastopexy Madrid.
