What causes sagging of breasts?

Sagging or drooping of breasts is a natural, inevitable process that happens to all women at some point - except those with fairly small breasts.

The most notable sagging happens with the process called breast involution (see below), but breasts can start drooping a little at any age, because they do NOT have muscles in them. They have ligaments and connective tissue.

When the gravity pulls the breasts down, those ligaments and the skin can stretch, and so the breast then droops. This depends on the elasticity of your skin and of your ligaments, as determined by your genes and diet, and also on normal aging processes. Obviously large breasts will sag easier since the gravity is pulling them down more.

Breast involution is a process where the milk-making system inside the breast shrinks because it's not needed anymore. This happens either after weaning, or right after pregnancy if you don't breastfeed at all, or during menopause. When the tissues inside breast shrink, and the skin surrounding it doesn't, the breast can look 'empty' and saggy. Over time, some fat gets deposited back to the breast so it will look somewhat fuller but sagging usually remains.

Another common cause for sagging is when a woman loses weight. When you lose weight, some of that fat disappears from your breasts. Typically the skin and the ligaments inside the breasts do not retract accordingly, resulting in an 'empty' looking breast that then sags. (You could try prevent this by eating foods that provide extra good nutrition for your skin.)

Worries about sagging breasts is one of the most popular questions sent to this website. (See Breast development and teenagers worries and Breast gallery page). So if you feel your breasts droop, you are most certainly not alone!

Note: A scientific study that studied the effects of breastfeeding upon sagging, found that breastfeeding per se did not have an affect upon the sagging. According to the study, the following were risk factors for an increased degree of breast sagging: body mass index (BMI), the number of pregnancies, a larger pre-pregnancy bra size, smoking history, and age.
(The Effect of Breastfeeding Upon Breast Aesthetics by Brian Rinker)

Is it normal to have sagging breasts if you haven't been pregnant?

Many women find themselves in this situation after childbirth/weaning and after menopause (it's the involution at work).

But also many childless women claim that they have "awfully" saggy breasts and wonder if that is normal, or if their breasts are sagging more than most women of their age.

True, sagging happens to all women at some time or another - except those with very small breasts. Even if you never get pregnant, your breasts will probably start to droop as you age, and markedly so after menopause. Overweight women gather some extra fat tissue in their breasts too, which causes them to be heavier and therefore sag earlier than otherwise.

This breast drooping can't totally be prevented. Bras of course can conceal it. For those with heavy breasts, bra wearing can delay it because it keeps some of the breasts' weight on one's shoulders. (However, bras preventing sagging in general is a myth.) It is only the young, teenager breast, that can stay perky with the nipple pointing right ahead.

How to define 'sagging' breasts?

Sometimes sagging can be merely an issue of definition. Which pair of the breasts below would you consider as 'saggy'?

One dictionary definition of sagging is "hanging down (as from exhaustion or weakness)". We think of sagging as being drooping or sinking from weight or from pressure as compared to the 'norm'. So what is sagging depends on what is considered the norm, how things "should" be when looking beautiful/aesthetic.

Some might think that all breasts above are sagging, and that is true if you compare to the teenage breast. But really, in the two pairs in the top row the drooping is very slight - so slight that if you're past puberty but not through menopause, and your breasts don't droop more than that, then they sag very little or less in comparison to most other women.

In the USA people typically see only their own breasts and those of the supermodels - which have been fixed and changed and the photos have been airbrushed, modified, you name it. All they can perceive of other women's breasts around them are just that they are bra-bound and bra-lifted. So this causes people - both men and women - think that the 'normal' or 'typical' breast is what they see the models have in TV and magazines, and that anything else is sagging/too small/ugly/abnormal. Oh, what a deception!

In my mind sagging of the breast is when the nipple and most of the breast more or less points south or hangs... like you can see in the two pictures in the bottom row. You have the right for your opinion - hopefully based on having seen lots of natural breasts.

Plastic surgeons of course have an exact definition for sagging (or breast ptosis as they call it) which actually also determines different degrees of sagginess/ptosis. The definition they use was first given by a Canadian plastic surgeon Paule Regnault in 1976. With the definition and the medical-sounding term they can talk like, "Patient presented with unilateral degree x breast ptosis and breast asymmetry" so it sounds like there is a disease, a medical condition, which then needs "treatment". They even try to define small breasts as a 'disease'. But sagging breasts are no more a "disease" than wrinkles or stretch marks!

What can I do about my sagging breasts?

So you have determined your breasts are awfully saggy. Short of breast lift surgery, there is unfortunately not much you can do about it. And even surgery results are not permanent since the skin and ligaments will stretch again eventually.

It is good to ponder if other people around you are really bothered by your breasts, or is it mainly you? Since most women do end up with sagging breasts - more or less - they wouldn't think badly of that. Nobody should, anyway.

Those men who mind sagging breasts should keep in mind that they're going to have hard time finding a woman whose breasts would never droop (flat-chested maybe). If the man you love does, you can try educate him. Remember also that if he really loves you, he will not quit loving you because of some physical characteristics. If you're wishing to find a husband, you'd want one who is not concentrating solely or obsessing over the outward appearance - because that will inevitably change some day as you age.

The one thing you can try (I'm not guaranteeing any results) is to help your skin elasticity nutritionally - maybe it will also help those ligaments to stay in top fit. And if nutrition does not help sagging per se, at least you can have a good-looking shiny healthy skin on your breasts (as well as elsewhere).

For example vitamin C is very important for the collagen synthesis within skin, and flax oil is important to keep skin from drying. Read also this article about vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can give your skin the youthful glow of good health.

So even though sagging breasts are not the most aesthetic, they are very common and you're not alone with them! They are not among the most important aspects of life, fortunately. Remember your (future/current) baby won't care as long as he/she gets milk from your breasts. That's what counts.

I want to go to the beach but I'm embarrassed of my sagging breasts

When breasts hang down, they can sometimes hang down quite a bit, and understandably can cause embarrassement on the beach or while swimming.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this: buy a swimming suit with bra support. They do exist in internet stores.

Please read a reader's comment on this issue:

The site for bra support swimsuits is FigLeaves.com. They are UK based for deliveries to other places in the world, other than the US. In the US they have their own internet site. But depending on where you enter the website (from what country you are in), you are directed to the correct site for your country. Return postage can be expensive if you are not in the UK or US. There are other sites of course, but I can vouch for FigLeaves as I have bought many things from them, returned them, and have always received prompt response on emails and enquiries, never had any payment or credit/return issues with them.

I think there is free postage & returns from time to time through Figleaves, and if she signs up for emails, she should wait for the 20% off coupon codes.... they will come, and make for quite considerable savings.

I just think teenagers have enough to cope with in growing up, and the less they have to worry about their bodies, the more they can concentrate on the rest of growing up. I think as a 17 year old, they shouldn't have to feel responsible for educating people on what should be an acceptable body type, they should just go swimming and have fun.

You can try these links, or search for "control swimwear" or "concealed underwire" in the swimwear section.
Panache Grace concealed underwire tankini
Panache Grace underwired swimsuit

Resources

Do bras prevent breasts from sagging?

A Brief History of Sagging (and we don't mean pants) - Humorous article of the history of one woman's breasts

Am I doomed to have sagging breasts for the rest of my life?

Ask Alice: Natural lifts for sagging breasts?

The Effect of Breastfeeding Upon Breast Aesthetics a study by Brian Rinker

Pautas Saludables Para Sus Mamas - Encuesta Fotografica - Breast Pictures of age 40
A spanish site dedicated to healthy breasts, especially addressing the bra issue. The site also has a different breast picture page for each age from 18-50, submitted by visitors. Eeach page opens with a poll about how long you wear bras, and when you put your mouse over the pictures, it tells you that woman's bra wearing habits. Note: The photos on those pages are submitted by visitors, so are not depicting what percentage of women would have what kind of breasts. But you'll see many sagging breasts here.

Here are the poll options translated into English:

Cuándo usted porta corpiño?	When do you wear a bra?
1.- Siempre, incluso cuando duermo 2.- Sólo de día, todos los días 3.- Sólo cuando salgo de mi hogar/a mi trabajo 4.- Pocas veces, según la ocasión 5.- Sólo cuando quiero estar sexy 6.- Nunca, salvo casos puntuales	Always, even when sleeping Only during the day, every day Only when I go out from home/to work Rarely, depending on situation Only when I want to feel sexy Never, except rare occasions

Visitor comments

The following comments are from various visitors to www.007b.com, and may or may not agree with the viewpoints presented on this website. The comments are posted here because they might further help and encourage men and women who visit this website; however 007 Breasts is not responsible for this content or any loss/damage caused by reading these.

For US Residents Only

I am a 28 year old woman with 2 children. I am also 2 months away from having a breast lift and reduction. I have always considered my breasts as a bit too big and a bit saggy, and think of 'Hollywood breasts' as being perfect. I have just come from ur website, and I am so thankful to u for making it. There are so many kinds of breasts in this world, and after seeing all the woman on your site, I am thinking that maybe mine are ok just the way they are. Scaring from the surgery and the after results are my main concern (what if I don't like the results...what if I regret it...what if I don't like how they look....what if what if..),

After looking through your site I am now seriously considering on not having the surgery at all. I think psychological feelings play a major part in appearance. A person may feel somewhat ugly, or ashamed, or wanting to change a part of their body because of how "they think", but then another person might think they look just fine (like I did about some of the woman on your site who didn't like their breasts - I thought they were fine)
Ultimately it comes down to being happy with your body and how u feel about yourself, and if that includes surgery then so be it.
But thankyou so much. I now have some serious thinking to do.....

Kind regards

Jess

Wow. You know I was just looking for some info on how to fix my boobs. But it's nice to see that having some sag is perfectly normal. I agree with alot of what has been said here. All the perfect women are on TV, in movies of all sorts and stuff. I am 19 and had my daughter when I was 16 and also breastfed because I thought it would be better for her, come to find out I turned ugly because of it. I have this theory that if I never take off my bra, they can never sag, boy was I wrong. I have been so self-concious about my boobs because I am so young and all that I literally have been wearing a bra since I had her. Day and night. I guess if there is nothing I can do then ok, but I'm glad there are alot of women like this...

Katherine

I have always been embarrassed of my breasts.I was getting fed up with my saggy breasts and was looking to do something about them.Then I found your site.I have been reading everything.I want to thank who ever put this site together so much.I have it marked as my favorite page so I can go back and get a reality check when needed.Thank you so much. You not only made the mom feel better about herself,but I have two daughters and I want them to feel the same.Thank you.

tparson

I am 28 years of age and before I had children I had round, perky size 12c breasts. I was very happy with my breasts at this time. I then had children and breastfed all three of them. After my first child I didn't notice much of a change to my breasts. After my second I did. I became aware that my breasts were a bit sagging after I finished breastfeeding him. It didn't bother me as much back then, but after I had finished breastfeeding my third child it did. I realised that I had gone down one cup size to a b. I would look at my breasts in the mirror and be so depressed at how they looked. It got to a point where I would be contemplating plastic surgery. But it would be too expensive and unnatural. Recently, it got to a point where I cried myself to sleep one night because I thought that I was unattractive to my husband. That physically he was not attracted to me. I cried that night and tried to go to sleep but couldn't because it consumed me so much. I knew that I would not get plastic surgery done, but I just wished that there was something natural out there that would help me get the breasts that I once had. The next day I logged onto the internet and found this website. After reading the information and looking at the gallery pictures. I feel like a load has been lifted of my shoulders. I'm not alone and compared to some of the breasts I've seen, my breasts don't seem to look to bad at all. I was obsessed with what people would think if they had seen my breasts and how unattractive I thought I was, but not anymore. I love my breasts. They have nourished my three children and they are natural. Sure they sag a little but now I know that it is ok, and that I'm not alone. This website has given me confidence on how I look and that I should not be loved on my breasts alone but on the whole package. To women out there who like me felt unattractive with sagging breasts. Lift your head up high and know that you are all natural and that there is more to you than just beautiful natural breasts.

judy

I am 19 years old and I am starting to get worried about my breasts. I am a 36DD, I have a big problem when I choose clothes because I always need to wear things that allow me to wear a bra. I can never go without one. I am afraid that they are sagging to much for my age. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to make them a bit firmer without doing anything drastic like surgery. Please can you give me a couple of tips.
Thanks
Fiona.

I don't really have any tips to make breasts smaller or firmer, since about the only way to make them smaller is if the woman loses weight, and I don't know if that would be healthy for you or not.

On going without a bra, if it's just you who is worrying about it, why not try one time how it would feel not to wear a bra and wear something you want to wear? If it doesn't bother others, just be you yourself and let the breasts bounce a little and enjoy the clothes. This society is making people anguish too much about trying to be just like all others. Why would we need that? Why can't there be some variety? I know, it takes a little bit of self-confidence, but then again, if you do it once, maybe you will gain some confidence in yourself... It's never too late.

I am a male, so some may think this an unwelcome comment. Regardless, let me address this to those women who are overly concerned about 'sagging' breasts. Most men don't mind! In fact, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I actually PREFER a womans breasts to sag or hang some. This is, after all, natural. My wife (mid 30's, C-cup) has told me she hates her boobs for hanging, and not as firm as they used to be. I say, if they were 'firm' and didn't hang at all, they would look fake, and who wants that!

Dave

Thank you so much for your website. Recently I have been feeling so horrible about my breasts, which are large and somewhat sagging. I've never had children and thought that something must be wrong with me. Why would a 24 year old woman have sagging breasts?? But your site showed me that I'm normal AND beautiful. Thank you!!

Sarah

i found this site while looking for cosmetic surgeons online. I am only 17 years old and I am in a 36DD bra size and weigh 120 pounds... so I am very self conscious. the fact is that my breasts are very saggy, I mean like elderly lady saggy.. like wrinkly skin on them and stretch marks on them saggy, and I can even fold them in half. it is very embarrassing. I was looking at this site. and I mean I thought it would make me feel better, but I still dont feel better because I am still not going to be happy with my breasts, I wish they would at least stand up by themselves. I would like to be able to wear a bathing suit one day. and look in the mirror without crying. if I could I would be running right out to get this surgery.. but, I cant. my doctor wont give me a referal, and I cant afford to go get a consultation in one of those top notch places. but I am working so hard at it right now because I think that we should all be able to be happy with our bodies. when we think our breasts are beautiful thats when they are beautiful. righht now im saving money.. im selling my tv... and saving lunch money and not going to college so I can get this done. itll be worth it. to be able to smile.

Jessica

Hi Jessica, it's understandable that this touches you deeply. The fact is, not many of us can say we're totally happy with our bodies. Some people have too much fat, some are too short, some have wrong shape nose or buttocks or whatever. If you start thinking about it, everybody has a 'defect' when compared to the 'ideal' - which the body ideal presented in the US media is for the most part unattainable anyway. It's not even based on reality because the women presented as ideal are underweight and have way too big breasts for being so skinny. Supermodels often have to resort to plastic surgery to achieve that looks. That ideal is downright stupid for being so unrealistic.
And, even if you got a breast lift and implants, some 10-15 years from now you might notice some other 'defect' creeping in... like varicose veins or extra fat on arms or cellulite or little wrinkles... It happens to everybody. Also, the results of a breast lift are NOT permament... eventually the skin stretches again and the sagging starts again.
So why couldn't we focus on other, more important things in life? You're only 17, and believe me, education, working, your family and loved-ones are far more important things than the look of your breasts. If you want to enjoy the beach, then go do it, swim and sunbathe, and try not to worry about what other people think of your swimsuit looks. Maybe some other girl with sagging breasts will get consolation to her situation by seeing you...
Think about all the good things you have in your life already that some people don't... and you can surely smile!
All in all, it is still your life and your decision. We wish all the best for you.

I'm 19 years old and my breast are about a 36C. Iv'e seen many breast in my life and mine scare me. One boob has huge blue vains popping out of it and I know that's normal, but they look so bad it's like I have cancer. Not only are they ugly that way but they sag real bad. I blame it on all the bad bras I used to wear. I don't know if that could be true or not. But, I do want to know if I start wearing good support could it become less saggy?

Bras do not cause the breasts to sag, nor do they prevent it. Bras obviously help the sagging while you wear them, but there is no long-term effect. See more on the topic at page Do bras prevent breasts from sagging?

How to define sagging breasts