What Is the Best Solution to Correct Saggy Breasts?
The issue of saggy breasts is a concern for many women, causing both physical discomfort and psychological distress. In this blog we will discuss the options available to address saggy breasts, comparing breast uplift, implants surgery, and the combination of both.
Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna performs different breast procedures to help her patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
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What Causes Saggy Breasts?
Sagging breasts, or ptosis, is a natural part of ageing and is due to a combination of factors. Here are the most common causes:
- Ageing: As a woman ages, the ligaments that make up the breast tissue stretch and lose elasticity due to gravity. This causes the breasts to sag. The rate at which this occurs can vary greatly from woman to woman and is largely dependent on genetics and overall physical health
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can also affect the structure and volume of the breasts. This is particularly true during periods such as pregnancy and menopause
- Weight Fluctuations: Sudden weight gain or weight loss can cause the skin to stretch or contract, leading to sagging breasts. This is because breasts are made up of fatty tissues and hence, when weight changes, it impacts the structure and firmness of your breasts
- Smoking: Smoking can lead to saggy breasts as it weakens and ages skin by damaging the skin’s elastin, a protein that gives skin its elastic appearance and supports breast firmness
- High-intensity workouts: Certain high-impact activities like running and jumping can lead to a breakdown of breast collagen. It’s important to note that this should not discourage anyone from doing these activities. Wearing a supportive sports bra can help counteract this effect
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The enlargement of the breasts during pregnancy followed by their deflation after breastfeeding can lead to sagging. Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding itself isn’t the primary cause of breast sagging—it’s the changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy that contribute to sagging
- Lack of Proper Support: Not wearing a bra or wearing an ill-fitting one doesn’t provide the necessary support to the breasts, which can lead to sagging over time
It’s important to note that while there are many causes of saggy breasts, it’s a completely natural part of ageing and life experiences. Various interventions, both surgical and non-surgical, can alter the appearance of breasts affected by breast ptosis.
What Is Breast Ptosis And How Is It Measured?
Breast ptosis, or sagging, is a natural occurrence over time. It is measured using the ‘Regnault ptosis scale,’ which classifies breasts into pseudo-ptosis, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 ptosis. This scale aids in determining the degree of sagging and helps in deciding the most suitable treatment option for each individual case.
Breast Uplift: A Solution for Droopy Breasts
A breast uplift is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape droopy breasts. This treatment is ideal for women who have lost breast volume or tone due to age, weight loss, or pregnancy. It’s a common choice for those who wish to restore a more youthful and firm appearance to their bust without significantly altering their size.
The process for getting a breast uplift involves an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, followed by the procedure itself, and finally, the recovery period. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your breasts, discuss your expectations, and explain the procedure in detail.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Breast Uplift
While a breast uplift can dramatically improve the appearance of saggy breasts, it’s crucial to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks. Benefits include a more youthful appearance, improved self-confidence, and the ability to wear a wider variety of clothing styles. Drawbacks may include scarring, potential complications from surgery, and the possibility of needing revision surgery in the future.
Breast Implants: A Different Approach to Enhance Your Bust
Breast implants are another option to consider if you’re unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts. Unlike a breast lift, which reshapes and lifts saggy breasts, implants increase the size and fullness of the bust.
The process of getting breast implants also starts with a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. The surgeon will guide you through the different types of implants and their respective pros and cons. The procedure itself involves inserting the implants either above or below the chest muscle, in a pocket created using an incision under the breasts or around the areola.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implants offer many benefits such as increased breast size, improved breast shape, and enhanced self-esteem. However, they also come with potential drawbacks including the risk of complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and the possibility of further surgeries in the future.
Combining Breast Uplift with Implants to Fix Saggy Breasts
For some women, the best solution may be a combination of a breast uplift and implants. This approach can provide the uplift and reshaping offered by a breast uplift along with the increased size and fullness provided by implants.
The process of getting a breast uplift with implants is similar to the separate procedures. But combining the two into one operation requires a higher level of surgical expertise and precision. The plastic surgeon will first perform the breast uplift to elevate and reshape the breasts, followed by the placement of implants to enhance size and fullness.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Breast Uplift with Implants
The primary benefit of combining a breast uplift with implants is the ability to address both sagging and lack of fullness in one procedure. But this approach also has drawbacks including a longer surgery time, increased risk of complications, and a more extended recovery period.
Making the Right Choice: Breast Uplift, Implants or Both?
Choosing between a breast uplift, implants, or both is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. It’s crucial to assess your expectations, understand the potential risks and benefits, and consider your lifestyle and future plans.
A few things to consider:
- Your goals: Are you looking to lift sagging breasts, increase their size, or both?
- Physical examination: A certified plastic surgeon will examine your breasts to evaluate factors like skin elasticity, amount of natural breast tissue, and the degree of sagging
- Risks and complications: Every surgical procedure comes with potential risks and complications, such as infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant leakage or rupture, or unsatisfactory results that may require additional surgery
The choice between a breast uplift, implants, or both is a personal one, based on your specific needs and desired outcomes. By understanding the causes of saggy breasts and the available solutions, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for you. Whether you opt for a breast uplift, implants, or a combination of both, the goal should always be to improve your comfort and confidence in your body.
FAQs about Saggy Breasts, Breast Uplift and Breast Uplift with Implants
What is the best method to fix saggy breasts, a breast uplift or breast implants?
- The best method to correct saggy breasts depends on the individual’s specific condition and aesthetic goals. A breast uplift, or mastopexy, primarily corrects sagging and improves shape without significantly altering the size. Breast implants, on the other hand, add volume and can provide some lift, but may not adequately address severe sagging. Many women opt for a combination of both procedures to both lift and add volume to the breasts.
Can a breast lift be performed without implants?
- Yes, a breast uplift can be performed without implants. The procedure is designed to remove excess skin and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position, improving the overall shape and contour of the breasts. While a breast uplift alone doesn’t significantly increase the size of the breasts, it can create the appearance of fuller, perkier breasts.
What are the benefits of combining a breast lift with implants?
- Combining a breast uplift with implants can provide a comprehensive approach to breast enhancement, addressing both the size and position of the breasts. A breast uplift alone might not achieve the desired fullness, especially in the upper part of the breast. Adding implants can enhance volume, shape, and overall size, resulting in a more youthful and fuller appearance.
How long does the recovery period last after a combined breast lift and implant surgery?
- The recovery period for a combined breast uplift and implant surgery lasts around two to four weeks. But the exact duration can vary depending on the individual’s health, the extent of the surgery, and the body’s natural healing process. It’s important to follow all postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with fixing saggy breasts using breast lifts or implants?
- As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast uplifts and implants. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant leak or rupture, and the need for additional surgery. It’s also possible for sagging to recur over time, particularly in women with larger, heavier breasts. It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks and complications with your plastic surgeon before making a decision.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about How to Get Firmer Breasts
- Read more about Plastic Surgery Procedures to Get Bigger Breasts
- Read more about Types of Breast Implants
- Read more about Breast Enlargement – Breast Augmentation
- Read more about Mastopexy Augmentation (Uplift With Implants)
- Read more about Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
- Read more about Internal Bra – A More Durable Breast Uplift Technique
- Read more about Menopause Makeover
Medical References about Breast Lift and Breast Ptosis
- What is breast uplift surgery?
- Breast Ptosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- What to Know About Sagging Breasts – WebMD
- Saggy breasts: Causes and solutions – Medical News Today
- Breast uplift – Mayo Clinic
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.
