Saggy boobs are a common concern for many women. While for some women saggy breasts are caused by genetics, they can also be caused by ageing, childbirth, breastfeeding or a dramatic weight change. It is very normal for breasts to sag with time, but many women find this concern causes a drop in confidence and leads to self-consciousness. Fortunately, sagging breasts can be treated.

The most effective solution for saggy breasts is with a Mastopexy or breast uplift. This is a surgical procedure, involving excess skin and tissue being removed, and the breasts repositioned into a more flattering and lifted position on the chest. This results in a perkier, more youthful appearance to the breasts.

Although most patients are aware of what has caused their boobs to sag, it can nevertheless have a negative effect on their confidence and self-esteem, impacting how they dress and the activities they feel comfortable taking part in - such as sport. Opting to have a Mastopexy will help to restore this confidence and make wearing tight or revealing clothing more comfortable.

Most patients who undergo Mastopexy surgery find that the results of this procedure are permanent and their breasts will remain in this more desirable position for many years.

Further to pregnancy causing sagging breasts, many women are concerned that they have saggy breasts after breastfeeding. As the breasts continually produce milk and are then emptied when the baby is fed, the skin is stretched, and the breast tissue is broken down, leading to laxity. When you stop breastfeeding, the skin cannot naturally tighten, and the internal breast tissue cannot be restored, causing the breasts to sag and hang lower on the chest. The remaining volume in the breasts, may be focused in the lower parts of the breast, resulting in a disproportionate appearance, or making the breasts appear larger or smaller than they are.

While ageing is a natural part of life and your breasts are likely to sag a little with time, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to stop your boobs from sagging. These changes will have a positive effect on all areas of your body, leading to a more youthful look overall.

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in antioxidants, as this is beneficial for the skin. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants. Drinking plenty of water will also help to hydrate the skin, and preserve its elasticity.
  Avoid smoking. Tobacco has been proven to break down collagen in the skin, resulting in skin that appears less full and more droopy. This also applies to the skin on your breasts, which rely on collagen to keep their youthful, perky shape.
• Avoid sun exposure and always use sunscreen. UV rays from the sun can have a huge effect on your skin. Even if your breasts are covered and protected from the sun's rays, the surrounding exposed areas can suffer damage, and this skin also helps to support the weight of your breasts. Protecting the whole chest with sunscreen will help keep your breasts supported and lifted.
• Keep a consistent weight. When you gain weight, your breasts increase in size, and when the weight is lost, the skin shrinks back to accommodate a smaller breast. Regularly gaining and losing weight causes the skin to lose some of its elasticity, meaning it has less ability to shrink back to its original shape. Maintaining a stable weight, will help with avoiding saggy breasts in the long term.

It is very difficult to fix saggy breasts without surgery.

Unfortunately breast tissue cannot return to its previous firmness without surgery. However certain exercises, such as push ups, swimming and bench press, can tone up the muscle behind the breasts, which can improve their overall appearance. However anyone who chooses to try these methods should bear in mind that these will not produce immediate results. The results may only be modest.

Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, staying hydrated and maintaining good posture can also help. By taking better overall care of your body, you can improve skin elasticity and strength. This in turn helps minimise the risk of sagging.

Pectoral muscle workouts can tone the muscle behind the breasts, resulting in a natural lift if done often enough. However there is no way to fix breasts that have already sagged without surgical intervention.