What To Do About Sagging Breasts

Sagging breasts have become a significant concern for many women, especially after the recent shift in attitudes towards going braless. The pandemic saw a notable rise in women choosing to go braless, with a YouGov study revealing that a third of women abandoned their bras during lockdown, while 20% now wear one less frequently. Although this trend provided comfort and freedom for many, it has had some unintended consequences, particularly for women with larger breasts.

In this blog, we’ll explore the options available for addressing sagging breasts. This includes the increasingly popular breast reduction procedure, which ranked as the second top cosmetic surgery in 2022, and fat grafting to the breast.

Breast reduction for sagging breasts

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that helps address saggy breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. This helps to achieve a smaller, firmer, and more proportionate breast size. The surgery not only reduces the overall size of the breasts, but also lifts and reshapes them, significantly improving their appearance and alleviating sagging.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the areola and down the breast, creating a keyhole or anchor shape. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are then removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location on the breast. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

By reducing the weight and volume of the breasts and lifting them to a higher position on the chest, a breast reduction can effectively address sagging with long-lasting results. The procedure can also alleviate discomfort and pain caused by large, heavy breasts, such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, improving overall quality of life.

Addressing sagging breasts with fat transfer

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous breast augmentation, can help address saggy breasts to some extent by adding volume. Fat is harvested from other areas of the body, purified, and then injected into the breast area to enhance size, shape, and contour.

While fat transfer breast augmentation can provide a subtle lift and improve the overall appearance of the breasts, it is essential to note that this procedure is most effective for mild sagging. The primary goal of this technique is to add volume to the breasts, which can help to fill out loose or sagging skin, giving them a more youthful and perky appearance.

This procedure may not be as effective at addressing more significant sagging as a breast lift or breast reduction surgery. In cases of moderate to severe sagging, a combination of fat transfer and a breast lift or reduction may be recommended to achieve the desired outcome.

Choosing the right option for you

When deciding between fat transfer and breast reduction to address saggy breasts, consider the extent of the issues, and your desired results.

Fat transfer is generally more suitable for mild sagging. It can add volume, fill out the breast and provide a subtle lift. Breast reduction is a better choice for moderate to severe sagging, or larger uncomfortable breasts. It removes excess skin, tissue, and fat, lifting and reshaping the breasts more effectively.

It is highly recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in both procedures. They can assess your individual needs, review your medical history, and help you make an informed decision about the most suitable option for addressing saggy breasts.

Book an appointment with Mr Paul Tulley now to determine which procedure is right for you.