Do bras cause sagging in breasts?

Question

This topic is the start of a lot of debate and I'm very curious. Does wearing a bra cause saggy breasts? Some believe not wearing a bra will strengthen the tendons in the breasts and make them less susceptible to premature sagging while others think otherwise.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi mamayohn,
Thank you for the question. Wearing of bras do not cause breasts to sag. There are various factors, however, that cause the breasts to sag and droop including but not limited to genetics, breast size, skin elasticity, and weight loss. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question, as it is
an interesting one. Bras do not cause the breasts to sag. Heavy breast tissue,
genetics, and the force of gravity cause breast tissue to sag and droop. As women
age, the skin will lose elasticity and the muscles
become lax, stretching and deflating the breasts. Although a bra can provide
support for the breasts, it cannot keep breasts from losing their shape over
time.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question
It is a common misconception that strengthening ones chest muscles will prevent breast ptosis. It is suggested to wear a bra to try to prevent/reduce breast ptosis.
Regards,

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

I'm surprised there is even a debate.  Fibrous structures that support the breast are called Cooper's ligaments and are not "muscles" and wouldn't become stronger with stress or applied force.  Supporting these ligaments with a bra will prevent them from stretching from gravitational force.  Wearing a bra when upright will prevent breast ptosis.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

mamayohn.  Just the opposite. Brassieres support the breasts and the breast tissues and can actually prevent or delay sagging by preventing the ligaments and Skin from stretching out. It is not a guarantee, but going bra less, especially with larger breasts, certainly contributes to the sagging process and can speed it along. It is OK to go bra less occasionally, but not all the time. Be careful what you take as gospel from the Internet! Seek advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Michelle Lee, MD · Answer

Hello!
Great questions. Bras do not cause breasts to sag. Gravity does! A good supportive bra may help support the weight of heavier breasts, however bras do not prevent breasts from sagging either. 
Dr. Lee

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. Wearing bras does not cause sagging. Breast ptosis is a natural consequence of aging and gravity with loss of skin elasticity. Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Gravity causes breasts to sag. Along with weight gain, pregnancy and hormones these 4 are the most common causes of sagging of the breasts. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   I have never heard that bra's can cause sagging.  Gravity, aging, fluctuations in weight and pregnancies/breast feeding , will cause sagging.

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question about breast augmentation and bras.Bras do not cause sagging breasts and they do not prevent breast sagging from happening.  The breast and its tissue is not like muscle it won't get stronger through stress like exercising a muscle.  However, patients that have breast tissue that is full and heavy can support the skin and some of the soft tissue with effective bras.  I do like the concept of protecting your investment. In patients that have breast surgery and breast augmentation they can support the shape and position of the breast with supportive bras.  I think this is especially true the first three months when you are healing on the inside all around the new implant.  I do agree that if you maintain and care for things well they will last longer and look better.  This is also my opinion on how patients should care for their breasts.  Find a comfortable supportive bra to wear and I think you will be happier.Best Wishes

Do bras cause sagging in breasts?

Answers (11)

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