While you sadly can’t restore the original natural shape and size of your breasts from when you were younger, there are a number of things you can do to minimise the girls from sagging. But let’s first take a look at some of the reasons why they do.
Why breasts start to sag
Ageing
As women age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin. These are proteins that offer support and elasticity to the skin and tissue. Their decline results in stretching and sagging.
Weight fluctuations
Losing or gaining large amounts of weight can stretch the skin. Unfortunately, the breasts may not return to their original shape and sagging can occur.
Wearing the wrong bra
An ill-fitting bra leaves your breasts without the correct support, which means they are likely to lose their shape in the long term. A supportive bra lessens the stress on the supporting ligaments.
A bra, however, will not stop sagging entirely as sagging is part of the natural ageing process.
Gravity
Over time, the constant downward pull of gravity stretches the skin and ligaments that support the breasts.
Large breasts
The larger your breasts are, the greater effect gravity has on them.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations and menopause can have an affect on breast tissue and skin elasticity, which can lead to sagging.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Breast enlargement during pregnancy along with hormonal changes and the shrinking after breastfeeding stretches the skin and ligaments.
How to minimise sagging
Exercise
Strengthening your pectoral muscles (the muscles behind the breasts) can improve breast lift and firmness. Try push-ups, chest presses and dumbbell flys.
Maintain a stable, healthy weight
As mentioned, weight fluctuations can stretch the skin, so maintaining your weight helps prevent this. Also, reducing your weight by exercising is likely to reduce the size of your breast, lessening the downward pull of gravity on your breasts.
Eat a well-balanced diet
A diet rich in antioxidants can protect your skin from potential damage. Drinking enough water helps to keep the skin hydrated and improves overall firmness.
Stop smoking
Smoking speeds up ageing. Not smoking is a good way to prevent damage to the elasticity of the tissues in your breasts.
Keep up with your skincare
We should not overlook our breast area when it comes to moisturising so remember to moisturise and apply SPF to help maintain skin elasticity and prevent premature ageing.
Wear the correct bra
Wearing a bra that fits well, especially when being active or exercising, is vital to lessen breast movement and any possible stretching. A well-fitting bra also improves your posture, which helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on breast tissue. But it can be tricky to find a bra that fits perfectly, so it’s a good idea to go for a fitting with a professional bra fitter. The right bra can help you fake it, giving your boobs a more youthful, perky look!
Consider surgical options
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, and if your sagging is significant – and have the cash to spare – a surgical breast lift (mastopexy) can reshape and lift the breasts.
First published by Women and Home
Also see: Lerato Kganyago details the experience of undergoing breast reduction surgery
