The breasts contain milk glands and fat that and are supported by the muscles inside your chest. Unfortunately, as you age the ligaments that support the breasts begin to stretch, causing them to become droopy or saggy. This process can be unflattering and frustrating, but there are several ways to help firm up the breasts and improve their appearance.
Do Push-Ups
Push-ups can help build the pectoral muscles located in the chest and encourage breast firming. To do modified push-ups, face the floor and lowering yourself to your hands and knees. Keep your hands about shoulder-width apart and contract your stomach muscles. Slowly lower your chest toward the floor, bending your elbows. Attempt to touch your chin to the ground before returning to the starting position. Repeat up to 20 times.
Wear a Supportive Bra
According to Dr. Petra Schneider in the "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women," a supportive bra can help firm the breasts. This is because bras decrease stress on the ligaments, preventing breasts from sagging. Sports bras are also essential during exercise, especially if you perform exercises such as aerobics or jogging that can bounce and stress the ligaments in the chest. To minimize breast movement, look for a bra with non-elastic shoulder straps.
Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy
Some hormonal conditions, such as menopause, can cause the fibers in the breasts to degenerate, resulting in sagging. Hormone replacement therapies -- medications that contain female hormones -- can be used to restore hormone levels. These medications can help stop breast sagging, improving breast firmness. However, talk with your doctor about the risks of hormone replacement therapy, such as heart disease and blood clots.
Wear Sunscreen
Always wear sunscreen, especially when your breast area is exposed such as when you wear a sundress, low neckline, tank top or bathing suit. Sun exposure can break down the elastin fibers in the skin, speeding up the aging process and causing the skin to sag. To combat this, put on a sunscreen that contains at least SPF 15 before going outside, and reapply it regularly, especially if you sweat or expose your skin to water.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women"; Sharon Faelten; 1997
- "Age Erasers for Women"; Prevention Magazine Health Books; 1997
- MayoClinic.com: Video: Modified Push-up
- MayoClinic.com: Hormone Therapy: Is it Right for You?
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