Sagging and drooping of breast takes place in almost all females at some point. Sagging of the breast occurs most notably due to the process of breast involution, but it can at start at any age. The most important reasons for sagging breast are inherited characteristics like elasticity of the skin and breast density. Women of more age, tend to have sagging breasts. Sagging occurs due to damage of the glandular tissues that brings about the firmness of the breasts and stretching of the tissues connecting the breast to their muscles. Wearing supportive brassieres and exercising at early stages in life, helps in preventing the sagging of breasts later.

Causes of Sagging Breast

Some of the well known reasons for sagging breast are multiple pregnancies, breast feeding, rapid weight loss, genetics, gravity and age. Breast region is made up of connective tissues and it is always under continuous stretch due to effect of gravity on the weight of breast. This causes relaxation of the supporting ligaments in the breast, causing the sagging effect. Breast feeding is another reason for sagging breast, due to constant expansion and contraction of the breast tissues. Some women may become prone to ptosis due to change in weight, genetics or multiple pregnancies.

Decrease in the secretion of hormone estrogen during menopause also results in sagging of breasts. This fall in hormone level effect almost all the tissues of the body, including breast tissues, resulting in a decrease in fullness and firmness. Most of the fibrous tissues of the breast are composed of protein collagen, which requires estrogen to maintain the firmness. Breast become dehydrated and looses elasticity due to lack of estrogen.

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of 15-20 lobes of milk-secreting glands present in the fatty tissues of the breast. Even when the glands no longer produce milk, they still add bulk and firmness to the breast. During menopause, there occurs a fall in the level of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which makes the breast shrink. Premature sagging of the breast is caused due to stretching of the Cooper's ligament which supports the breast. Ptosis can result from reduction in volume of the breast tissues after pregnancy and weight loss.

During the young age, sagging mainly occurs, when the breast does not get enough external support. This support is provided by the bra, and breast tends to sag due to lack of this support. After pregnancy, a women's breast becomes larger and engorged with milk, so as to prepare for breast feeding process. After the breast feeding period is over, sagging of the breast might take place.

Levels of Sagging Breast

There are various levels of ptosis, which requires care for correction. In order to determine the mammary crease, directly underneath the breasts, a ruler may be used directly under the junction of the breast and ribcage. Some degrees of ptosis are mentioned below -

Mild Ptosis - In case the central point of the nipple is slightly above or in front of the top of this ruler, then the degree of pitosis is Grade 1. Even the mildest ptosis needs only a crescent lift.

Mild to Moderate Ptosis - If the central point of your nipple is 1-3 cm below the top of the ruler, then it is called Grade 2 ptosis.

Severe Ptosis - If the central point of your nipple is more than 3 cm below the top of this ruler, then it is called Grade 3 ptosis.

Pseudo Ptosis - When your nipples are still slightly or well above your inframammary crease but appears droopy, due to presence of flattened breast lobe. In women having pseudo-ptosis, the areola does not stretch during the pregnancy or weight gain.

Low Breast - Some women's breast lie lower on the chest wall. Although, such women do not have ptosis, but the entire breast complex is low on the torso.

Firming of the Sagging Breast

Weight reducing exercise, combined with balanced and proper diet can help in reducing the overall body weight as well as dust size. Exercising tones up the pectoral muscles on which the breast lies. Swimming is considered to be a superb exercise for obtaining firmer and healthy bust line. It exercise the muscles considerable against resistance of the water, which provides proper shape to the breast. Intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, calcium, salts and minerals must be increased sufficiently. Breast-feeding mothers need to take extra care of the breast. Feeding the infant with the breast milk, either sitting or reclining in a faulty posture may result in sagging of the breast. Press the nipples immediately after suckling and remove the extra milk with a couple of jerks. Washing the breast area, with hot and cold water immediately, ensures rapid blood circulation.