Why Do Breasts Sag?

Breasts come in many shapes and sizes, but at a certain point, they are all prone to some degree of sagging. Medically referred to as breast “ptosis,” sagging breast tissue naturally occurs over time due to a variety of factors—some of which can be controlled, while others can’t. Influences like the aging process, genetics, and past pregnancies can all lead to supportive tissues in the breasts becoming more lax, causing the breasts to elongate and, in some cases, lose volume. While breast changes from these factors cannot always be prevented, there are certain lifestyle habits that can help reduce the rate of sagging.

Weight fluctuations can cause excess strain on the connective tissues in the breasts, leading to more sagging over time. This is why maintaining a consistent and healthy weight can help avoid unnecessary drooping. In addition to bodyweight changes, habits like smoking and getting excessive sun exposure can cause the breasts to sag. The carcinogens in cigarettes and harmful UV rays from the sun have both been found to lower the degree of elasticity in the breasts.

While there are certainly ways to help slow the rate of breast sagging, there is no way to completely stop the process. To help women with drooping breasts restore the full, firm, and “perky” breasts they had when they were younger, our team at The Ottawa Clinic offers breast lift surgery. If you would like to learn more about this procedure and if you are a good candidate, please contact us to schedule your consultation.