How to Prevent Breast Sagging
If you’re like many older women, you look forward to leaving menstruation in the past, but dread the changes that accompany menopause. Hot flashes and mood swings are two of the best-known side effects, but for many women, breast changes during menopause are another uncomfortable consequence. The good news is you can keep your breasts from sagging after menopause with prompt and regular attention.
Keep Breasts Perky After Menopause
Changes in your reproductive hormones don’t just stop your period — they also change the tissue inside your breasts. Loss of firmness or fullness, stretch marks, nipple displacement and increasing stretchiness or sagginess are common once estrogen production declines. You might even notice that your breasts change in size.
Although wearing a bra won’t prevent droopiness, you can minimize the appearance of sagging breasts and give yourself a confidence boost by visiting a lingerie shop for a professional fitting. Many women are surprised to learn they are not wearing the proper size. And although you won’t wear a new bra 24 hours a day, you will feel more confident when you’re dressed. One interesting fact to consider is that wearing a bra is not proven to prevent breast droopiness. Also, the results of two small studies suggest wearing a bra could even increase sagging.
If you’re in perimenopause, a topical solution might help. Try applying a cream, many of which are available over the counter, to prevent or minimize the appearance of stretch marks. These creams work by improving skin elasticity with an ingredient called collagen. If you already have stretch marks, laser treatments may be effective at restoring skin quality. Also, keep your weight stable. Losing and gaining weight cyclically can stretch the supporting skin of your breasts, leading to unavoidable drooping. Smoking is another no-no. Always wear proper support during exercise, especially if you run — and add plenty of chest exercises to your workout so you strengthen the muscles underneath your breasts.
Make Breasts Perkier After Menopause With Lift and Augmentation
Skeptical that these adjustments won’t work, or are you ready for a more intensive solution? Consider cosmetic surgery. Breast lift won’t change the overall size of your bosom, but it will restore a more youthful appearance. If you’ve always wanted larger breasts, you may want to consider a lift in combination with an augmentation. Keep in mind that not every interested patient is a good candidate for surgery. The best patients are those who live a healthy lifestyle, maintain a stable weight, don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol to excess and have realistic outcome expectations.
Contact SPRSI for More Information
Dr. Nathan Brought is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients in the Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee region. For a consultation on what breast procedure is right for you, or to learn more about laser treatments and specialized skincare, contact Southern Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Institute.
For more information about breast lift, augmentation and SPRSI or to schedule a consultation, call 615-791-9090.
