Patient Login ▸ Online Bill Pay ▸

Does Breastfeeding Cause Breasts to Sag?

Although many people believe that breastfeeding will cause their breasts to droop, studies show that this is actually a myth. Breastfeeding does not seem to have a significant effect on breast sagging, known as ptosis. There are a variety of reasons why a woman’s breasts may begin to sag, but new mothers can rest assured that they can breastfeed without worrying about its effects on how perky their breasts look.

Risk factors for sagging breast tissue include the aging process, smoking, weight fluctuations, a higher number of pregnancies, and a larger bra size before pregnancy. Milk production and breastfeeding, however, have not been linked to this common cosmetic concern. For those with more advanced ptosis after pregnancy, there are surgical procedures that can help restore a more youthful breast position.

Breast lift surgery is a popular solution for women wanting to lift their breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. Augmenting the breasts with implants or fat transfer can be performed in conjunction with a lift to also restore lost breast volume. For mothers who have experienced breast sagging in addition to other unwanted body changes, the mommy makeover is designed to address multiple concerns under one treatment plan to produce a more comprehensive body enhancement.

To learn if breast lift surgery or another procedure is right for you, please contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel. He can evaluate your candidacy and explain the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.