According to Discover magazine, a pair of D-cup breasts can weigh 15 to 23 pounds. That's a lot of weight to pit against gravity when your skin is losing its elasticity every day. Sagging breasts happen when aging skin can no longer support your breasts and starts to stretch. In 2008, a breast lift cost over $4,000, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. However, there are ways to prevent or slow sagging breasts without going under the knife.
Supportive Bras
When you were younger, your breasts may have defied gravity, staying perky even when you went bra-less. Give your breasts a break from all that heavy lifting with a supportive bra. Choose a bra that will lift your breasts and keep them in place all day. Expert bra-fitter Linda Becker, of TheBraLady.com, said that in the right bra, your nipple should rest between your shoulder and elbow. If your breasts hang lower, get re-fitted for a more supportive bra. The more time your breasts spend uplifted and supported, the longer they will hold that shape when not in a bra.
Replace Old Bras
Becker says even well-made bras only have a life expectancy of six to nine months. Over time, the weight of your breasts stretches the cups and band size. Washing also weakens bra material, allowing bras to stretch more over time. Hand-wash bras in cold water.
Never dry your bras in a heated drier. Heat weakens the elastic used to keep your bra snug. Instead, re-form the bra cups, and lay the bra flat to air-dry.
Massage
Massaging your breasts daily increases circulation in breast tissues. Increased circulation moves fresh oxygen through your tissues and muscles, allowing your body to heal itself. For your breasts, this means your body has fresh oxygen to encourage collagen growth and boost elasticity.
Breast Feeding
IndiaParenting.com says that if you're breast-feeding, you run a higher risk of sagging breasts after you wean your baby. Milk in your breasts stretches skin, and your baby also stretches out tissues as he or she pulls on your breast. Instead of resting your baby on your lap and leaning down, causing your baby to pull your breasts downward, alter your feeding position. Brace on a couch or chair so your baby can sit higher in your arms. Support your breast so your infant can suck from the side, instead of below.
Moisturize
Dehydrated skin is weaker and more susceptible to stretching, according to IndiaParenting.com. Slather on moisturizing lotions or body butters every day. Look for products with collagen-boosting ingredients, such as echinacea or holy basil.
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