Gravity affects all of us as we age, but especially women. As we age, the affects of the aging process and gravity can cause our features to sag or droop and the most noticeable of this is our breasts. For women with naturally larger breasts this can be dramatic and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, we can’t live in an anti-gravity environment, so join us as we discuss how you can remedy your sagging breasts!
What Causes Sagging Breasts?
Sagging breasts, or Breast Ptosis, can have a number of causes, mostly due to the inevitable battle between skin elasticity, age and gravity. These causes include:
- Gravity
- Unsupported breasts/not wearing a bra
- Smoking side effects, such as thinning of skin or dermis
- Weight loss and/or pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies weakening breast collagen
- Naturally larger breasts
- Breast density
- Aging of breast tissues also known as breast laxity
How Much Could My Breasts Sag?
Your level of breast ptosis depends on a number of factors, including the density of your breasts. All breasts are made from heavy breast tissue – such as mammary glands – and lighter fat. The ratio of these two components influences how dense your breasts are and your level of possible ptosis. Those with denser breasts and breast tissue may sag further and faster over time.
Ptosis Classifications
There are different levels of ptosis or saggy, droopy breasts. Most patients seeking surgical remedies to their sagging breasts – such as Breast Lift – are due to the moderate or severe grades of ptosis. Others may feel they’ve been left with empty, sagging breasts after weight loss or breast feeding. The ptosis grades include:
Grade 1 – Mild, with some shape malformation
Grade 2 – Moderate, with patients experience discomfort when running or when breasts are not supported by a bra
Grade 3 – Significant, with significant size change due to post-pregnancy or post-weight loss stretching
Grade 4 – Allotrophic Skin with poor collagen strength
Do you need a Breast Lift or Breast Lift with Implants?
Knowing which surgery is right for you can be difficult to decide. As a result, we recommend you always have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss exactly what kind of procedure will work best for your desires and body.
Mastopexy Surgery
A Breast Lift without Implants – also known as a mastopexy – re-positions your breasts to a higher, youthful position. It is best described as being similar to the look of wearing a bra without actually using a bra. It goes a long way to making feel happier in your own body and make more confident clothing choices. However, a mastopexy on its own may not increase or restore the fullness and firmness of your breasts.
Masto-Augmentation Surgery
Breast Lift with Implants, also known as a Masto-Augmentation is a challenging procedure and requires an experienced surgeon. This is because your surgeon has to essentially perform two different surgeries. The Breast Lift aims to make your breasts higher and smaller, while the Augmentation aims to make them bigger and wider (and generally lower). Combining the two for the best, natural looking outcomes is challenging and its important you go to an experienced surgeon for this procedure.
It is important that you make informed choices when it comes to implant size. Having a large breast implant can affect your body the same way dense breast tissue does. With the effects of gravity, you could end up with the same issues with sagging breasts. Imagine putting a bowling ball in a plastic bag. That bag is going to stretch and thin, and that’s what can happen to your skin. Working closely with your doctor to choose the right size and shape for your body will give you the best possible results.
What About Scars?
All surgeries will have scars. But good surgeons will know how to help you minimise your scarring through their procedures and your recovery plan. It is important that you follow your surgeons instructions carefully – especially in regards to alcohol and smoking – for the best results possible. If you feel better, you will heal better. Scars usually face with time and you can pursue modern laser treatments to further improve the look of your scars.
No matter what option you choose, it is important to take care of your new breasts. You should wear a good, supportive bra all the time, except during sleep, to help prevent future sagging and drooping of your breasts. Like any other aspect of our health, you have to be proactive.
If you are considering breast lift surgery (with or without implants) it is important to have a consultation with a qualified, experienced surgeon. Dr Drielsma has decades of experience with complex, specialist breast surgery. Contact us today if you would like to discuss your breast lift options with a focus on natural beauty.