Breast ptosis is a common condition, often perceived as a sign of aging. However, it does not only affect older women, but can also affect those who are young, due to a variety of factors.
Breast ptosis is characterized by sagging breasts, which become more pendulous and less firm. The causes are multiple and may be linked to natural, hormonal or environmental factors.
Cause of breast ptosis n°1: natural aging
Aging is the primary cause of breast ptosis. As we age, skin loses elasticity and the mammary gland turns to fat, making breasts less firm and more likely to sag.
Collagen, an essential protein for maintaining skin structure, diminishes with age, reducing the skin's natural support.
In addition, Cooper's ligaments, which support the breasts, stretch and become less effective at keeping the breasts up. This can lead to sagging of the breasts, often more marked as the years go by.
Cause of breast ptosis #2: Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding bring about significant hormonal changes that affect the size and shape of the breasts. During pregnancy, the breasts increase in volume in preparation for milk production. After breast-feeding, once the mammary glands have retracted, the skin may remain stretched, making the breasts less firm. This can lead to sagging skin, especially if multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding have taken place.
What's more, some women notice a reduction in breast volume after breast-feeding, which accentuates breast ptosis.
Cause of breast ptosis n°3 : Weight fluctuations
Frequent weight changes, whether significant gains or losses, can have a considerable impact on breast structure. Each change in volume causes the skin to stretch. When you lose weight rapidly, the skin may not tighten immediately and, over time, lose its elasticity. Conversely, weight gain causes the breasts to swell, which also puts pressure on the skin, accelerating the process of ptosis.
So, to maintain breast shape and firmness, try to keep your weight stable.
Cause of breast ptosis n°4 : Breast size and weight
Women with naturally large breasts are more likely to suffer from breast ptosis. The weight of the breasts exerts constant pressure on the supporting tissues, notably Cooper's ligaments. This continuous pressure can lead to premature sagging, especially if the skin can no longer support the weight of the breasts.
It is common for larger breasts to tend to sag more quickly, due to the gravity and lack of support of the skin tissues.
Cause of breast ptosis n°5 : Smoking
Smoking is one of the most damaging environmental factors for the skin. It damages collagen and elastin, the proteins essential to skin firmness and elasticity, including in the breast area.
What's more, smoking can weaken Cooper's ligaments, increasing the likelihood of breast ptosis. That's why quitting smoking can help improve the appearance and firmness of your breasts!
Cause of breast ptosis n°6 : Hormonal factors
Hormonal changes can occur at various stages of life, including pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to a loss of volume and firmness in the breasts. Menopausal women often find that their breasts become smaller and less firm as the skin loses its elasticity. These hormonal changes are a major contributor to breast ptosis.
Cause of breast ptosis N°7 : Genetic predisposition
Some women are naturally predisposed to breast sagging due to the texture of their skin, the strength of their ligaments and their breast structure. For example, women with thinner or less elastic skin, or those with weaker supporting tissues, are more likely to develop premature breast ptosis.
Genetics also influence breast size, which can also affect how breasts react to gravity over time.
Cause of breast ptosis N°8: Intense physical activity
Certain forms of intense physical exercise, especially those involving repetitive movements or without proper breast support (such as running sports), can contribute to ptosis.
Cooper's ligaments, which support the breasts, can be damaged if the breasts are not properly supported by a suitable sports bra. This results in sagging breasts, particularly for women with larger breasts.
Causes of sagging breasts: summary
Breast ptosis is a natural, multifactorial phenomenon, influenced by aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, smoking and many other factors.
While it's impossible to avoid breast ptosis altogether, there are ways of limiting its appearance and mitigating its effects. For women who wish to restore the appearance of their breasts, a mastopexy or breast lift (operation to remove breast ptosis) may be considered to reshape and firm the breasts.
A healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, smoking cessation and good hydration can also help keep breasts firm for many years to come!