Do Larger Breasts Cause More Sagging?

Virtually all women will experience some degree of ptosis (sagging) in their breasts over time. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this cosmetic concern, including genetics, weight fluctuations, age, the number of pregnancies, sun exposure, and a history of smoking. In addition, the size of a woman’s breasts can impact how much sagging they can expect to have in the future.

Those with larger breasts tend to develop sagging due to the increased volume and weight of their tissue. While women with smaller breasts often do not have as severe of sagging, the skin and breast tissue is still prone to drooping over time due to gravity. For those wanting to slow the effects of aging and other contributing factors on their breast position, it is important to wear a supportive bra, especially during exercise, to reduce the strain on the connecting tissues and ligaments. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent additional ptosis from occurring.

Women with sagging breast tissue who would like to achieve a perkier appearance can often achieve their aesthetic goals through breast surgery. At The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins, often recommend breast lift or breast reduction surgery to address the common concern of sagging breasts. Those with overly large breasts may be good candidates for a reduction, which involves removing excess breast tissue to achieve a more proportionate and lifted appearance. For patients wanting to address sagging while maintaining their natural breast size, the lift procedure (mastopexy) can help tighten stretched tissue to create a more youthful positioning.

If you would like to learn more about our breast procedures, or are curious how you can rejuvenate your breast contours, please contact our team today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons.