How Do Breasts Change with Aging?
As a result of fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels as women get older, aging can lead to a plethora of unwanted developments in the face, body, and breasts. With the breasts in particular, the effects of the natural aging process can alter several components, including:
- Elasticity: Changes in hormone production can reduce skin elasticity — known as the skin’s ability to stretch out and conform back to its original shape. Due to increasing laxity in the breast skin as patients get older, your breasts can start to sag from their central position on the chest wall.
- Shape: Over time, breast tissue can also become softer and lose firmness. This, combined with the skin inelasticity that commonly develops with aging, may cause the breasts to appear more elongated and pendulous.
- Contour: As the breasts lose shape, the breast contours can also appear flatter and more “deflated” when compared to the round, “perky” contours characteristic of a youthful bustline.
- Volume: The fullness and volume of the breasts can diminish due to any combination of aging, gravity, pregnancy, or weight fluctuation. Unfortunately, lost breast volume typically exacerbates a sagging, flat, or elongated look in the breasts, and may make it more difficult to achieve an ideal fit for clothing, swimsuits, etc.
Unfavorable changes in the breasts caused by menopause or aging can be corrected with an array of aesthetic procedures. According to board-certified plastic surgeon Tiffany McCormack, MD, treatment options like a breast lift and breast augmentation (or both) can help combat tissue inelasticity and restore a more youthful look and feel to the breasts. Our before-and-after photos can be an excellent resource to gain a more in-depth understanding of the improvements possible with breast rejuvenation.
A consultation with Dr. McCormack is your opportunity to learn about which treatment options can be personalized to help you attain your desired breast contours. Don’t hesitate to contact our Reno office if you would like to book an appointment, or if you want to speak to a friendly member of our