Will My Breasts Sag after Breast Augmentation?

Sagging of the breasts is a concern for some women considering breast augmentation surgery. While breast augmentation can effectively address the appearance of sagging breasts, it’s important to understand that implants may settle over time and require further augmentation in the future. The most common reasons for this include the natural aging process, weight fluctuation, and pregnancy.

Breast Implants Settle

Breast implants can alter the breast shape, size, and position on the chest. After undergoing a breast implant procedure, it’s normal for the implants to sit higher on the chest initially. This settling process occurs during the recovery period. It’s crucial to differentiate between settling and sagging. Sagging typically happens over time as breast tissue ages, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness, which can cause the implants to droop. Those with larger implants may experience sagging sooner than those with smaller implants. 

If breast sag and/or breast ptosis exist prior to having the initial breast augmentation or occur at some point following surgery, it will likely be recommended to include a breast lift procedure to achieve optimal results that are long-lasting..

Tips for Maintaining Perky Breast Tissue

Women who decide to get a breast augmentation may wonder how to keep their breasts looking perky for as long as possible.

Supporting the breasts is crucial for maintaining their perkiness over time. While going braless may be comfortable, it can contribute to sagging due to gravitational forces.

Additionally, maintaining a stable weight can help preserve skin elasticity and prevent the sagging of breast tissue. Extreme weight gain and weight loss can affect the elasticity of the skin, causing droopiness to occur. Women considering breast augmentation may be advised to wait until after having children to ensure long-lasting results unaffected by pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 What to Consider Before Surgery to Avoiding Sagging Breasts

Before undergoing breast augmentation, it’s essential to consider various factors, including implant size and placement.

Breast Implant Size

Before your breast augmentation, you may wonder if smaller breast implants will be beneficial in the long run. Smaller implants may be preferable for those seeking to avoid sagging, as they exert less strain on the muscles and fatty tissue. Choosing the right size implant is an important part of the decision-making process. There are additional factors that go into selecting the implant size such as your chest measurements, and amount of existing breast tissue, the current position of your breasts, lifestyle, and how you want your breasts to look after surgery.  Consulting with a breast augmentation specialist is key to helping you make an informed decision you can feel confident about. 

Silicone Breast Implants or Saline Breast Implants

The weight of breast implants plays a small role in the effects of gravity. Silicone breast implants are slightly heavier than saline breast implants, making them more susceptible to the effects of gravity. This is because silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which is heavier than the saline breast implant solution. Saline breast implants also require a smaller incision.

Implant Position

Another critical consideration to make before your breast augmentation is whether you want breast implants that sit above or below the muscle. Implants placed below the muscle are supported by the body minimizing sagging and reducing the chance of capsular contracture.  Implants under the natural breast tissue do not have nearly as much support as implants placed under the muscle. You can also choose where you would like the breast implants to sit on the chest. 

During a consultation with your doctor, you can discuss the right implant type, size, and profile for your body type and goals. If you are experiencing sagging breasts before you have breast augmentation or years after an augmentation, a breast lift may be a great procedure for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Individuals interested in breast augmentation are encouraged to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and determine the most suitable implant size and placement for their body.

If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery, contact board-certified plastic surgery and breast specialist Dr. Joseph Cruise in Orange County, CA.