TL;DR:
- Breast sagging is caused by aging (decline in collagen, less glandular tissue), pregnancy/breastfeeding (excess skin), and weight fluctuations.
- Exercise cannot enlarge breasts but may improve appearance by strengthening surrounding muscles and enhancing skin elasticity; it works best as a preventive measure.
- Mastopexy (breast lift) is advised for significant sagging; it removes excess skin, improves firmness, and takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia.
- Mastopexy can be combined with implants if size is also a concern.
- Post-procedure care and prevention include maintaining weight, upright posture, SPF creams, massage, diet, and physical activity.
- Factors like pregnancy or weight changes can still alter the breasts’ appearance even after surgery.
- Fuller, firm breasts can be achieved with proper care or surgical methods.
Beautiful, firm breasts are the dream of most women. Unfortunately, the passage of time, pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause loss of firmness and sagging of the breasts. Such a problem can be combated – but will exercise be enough? Or is it better to sign up for a breast lift procedure right away? Today we will take a closer look at methods of breast augmentation and lifting.
What affects the appearance of the breasts?
Breast augmentation is already performed on very young women, but even breasts of a satisfactory size can become a source of complexes over time. As we age, collagen production declines, making the skin less elastic and the breasts lose their firmness. The older a woman gets, the less glandular tissue and more fatty tissue, so the breasts droop. This can happen as early as between the ages of 40 and 50. The natural aging process is not the only cause of breast sagging. The appearance of the breasts also changes due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. The breasts enlarge and become heavier therefore, when they return to their original size after pregnancy and lactation, they can leave excess skin. The breasts cease to be full and look smaller than they actually are. A similar mechanism occurs with weight fluctuations. It is healthiest for our body to maintain the same, normal weight. Getting fat and losing weight causes the amount of fat in the breasts to change, and this leads to their drooping. So with weight fluctuations, not only abdominoplasty is often needed, but also breast shape correction.
What breast lift exercises are worth doing?
People who hesitate to opt for a breast lift often consider exercise as an alternative. Although workouts will not solve the problem entirely, physical activity obviously has a positive effect on the appearance of the entire figure. No exercise will enlarge the breasts, since the bust is not composed of muscle tissue. However, regular workouts can increase the elasticity of the skin and strengthen the chest muscles, so the bust will look better. So we exercise not the breasts, but the muscles surrounding them. At the OT.CO Clinic, you can get support from physiotherapists who can advise you on how to exercise before and after mastopexy.
When is it advisable to opt for mastopexy?
Exercise can improve the appearance of the breasts, but it works more as a preventive measure. If sagging breasts is your complex, it's worth considering breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, especially if your breasts have lost firmness due to pregnancy or simply aging. The procedure not only lifts the breasts and improves their appearance, but also gets rid of excess skin. Mastopexy takes about 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
It's worth remembering that it pays to take care of your breasts: not only before, but also after the procedure, because another pregnancy or a sudden change in weight can change their appearance again. Good breast care habits include:
- maintaining an upright posture while sitting and walking,
- regular physical activity,
- using creams with SPF, not only on the face and neck, but also on the décolletage,
- a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber,
- massages with bust care oils,
- cool showers.
Mastopexy – with or without implants?
For some women, the size of the breasts is satisfactory, but the problem is loss of firmness. If the complex is also small breasts, you can opt for a breast lift combined with implants. Thus, one will give the effect of breasts even fuller than in the past. Small or drooping breasts are a complex of many women. Fortunately, there are surgical methods to restore their beautiful appearance. The breasts age just like the whole body, so the basics are regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Some factors, such as pregnancy and aging, we are unable or unwilling to avoid, so it is worth seeking help from an aesthetic medicine specialist.
Conclusion
Breast shape and firmness change with age, pregnancy, and weight shifts. While exercise helps maintain chest muscles and skin elasticity, it can't reverse sagging. Mastopexy offers a reliable solution for lifting and reshaping breasts, even for those considering implants. Prevention through posture, diet, SPF, and regular care is essential, but surgery is often the answer to restoring confidence. We can’t stop aging or all life changes, but we can choose methods to look and feel our best. Whether through workouts or surgery, taking control of your body is always worth it!
