Finding the Truth in Common Myths About Breast Sagging

Droopy, sagging breasts likely don’t fit into any woman’s idea of her ideal appearance. Perky, young-looking breasts can begin to sag and hang low over time. It’s natural for the skin in the breast area to lose some of its elasticity, leading to saggy, sometimes misshapen, breasts. For many women, this may be unavoidable. Since this is such a common aesthetic concern for women, I receive a lot of questions from prospective patients about what (if anything) they can do to potentially prevent breast sagging. That’s why I wanted to take some time to get to the bottom of a few common misconceptions about breast sagging and if it can be avoided.

Myth #1: Wearing a Bra Can Help Prevent Breast Sagging

This is false. There is no data that I am aware that has ever shown that wearing bras everyday can reduce breast sagging. Some women may believe that wearing a bra at in bed for additional nighttime support can help, this simply is not the case. The one exception to this is that many experts do recommend wearing a sports bra during exercise, as the constant pull of gravity that occurs due to movement and bouncing during exercise can potentially stretch the breast tissue and lead to sagging.

Myth #2: Breastfeeding Can Cause Breast Sagging

This too is wrong. A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal concluded definitively that breastfeeding will not increase a woman’s risk of experiencing breast sagging. This myth likely persists due to the fact that pregnancy itself is a common culprit for sagging breasts. During pregnancy, excess weight gained can cause skin and ligaments in the breasts to stretch, which can lead to breast sagging.

Myth #3: Certain Lifestyle Habits Can Accelerate Breast Sagging

This is true and actually not a myth at all. This includes smoking and behaviors that break down healthy collagen in the skin including suntanning or eating a nutrient-poor, high-fat diet. The sun’s UV rays can sap the collagen out of a person’s skin, reducing elasticity and leading to stretching and sagging. The same can be said for considerable weight fluctuation, so it’s important to maintain a healthy, stable bodyweight.

For women who experience breast sagging, regardless of the cause of this issue, the solution is typically breast lift surgery. During a breast lift, I am able to safely remove loose, excess skin and tighten the remaining breast tissue to provide perkier, better-positioned breasts. In my experience, women are typically extremely satisfied with the results of their breast lift. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional cosmetic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.