Is Breast Ptosis normal on an 18 year old? (photos)

Question

I've noticed this since puberty. I started puberty really early. Like 10 years old early. My breasts really started to droop or "sag" at age 12/13. I've never been confident in my body and my breasts are the reason. The size isn't an issue, but the drooping makes it very uncomfortable to go braless. Which should be the other way around. They're not perky, as you can see. But I'm not sure what to do or say if I go to a doctor about this or what to expect. I often considered surgery as I get older

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and many young women with normal breast development acquire breast size and ptosis (drooping) during puberty.  Much of this is genetically driven.  I suggest you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, genetics play a large role in what our breasts look like.  A breast lift or a reduction is not an unreasonable surgery for you at 18 years old.  Because the nipple and areola stay attached to the breast mound, many patients are still able to breastfeed, maintain sensitivity, etc.  Please be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for optimal outcome.  Good luck!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You have large breasts and ptosis can be common even in young women. If you're happy with your current breast size, then you would benefit from a breast lift. If you feel that your breasts are too large, then you could consider a reduction and lift which are performed at the same time.Make sure that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will examine you and discuss all of your options.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for
your question.

It is difficult to be experiencing significant breast ptosis
at such a young age, but you are not alone. A large number of women have
similar concerns.

Current research highlights the following as risk factors
for sagging:

Greater age, History of significant weight loss (>50
pounds), Higher BMI, Large bra cup size, Pregnancy, Smoking

As women age, the Cooper’s ligaments – the connective tissue
that helps breasts keep their shape- stretches out. Aging also causes breasts
to transform into having more fat rather than breast tissue making them less
perky and making them appear deflated.

Although you cannot control the natural aging and sagging
effects, or a genetic link, factors such as weight fluctuation and smoking are
in your control.

In fact, maintaining a healthy weight is important because
the higher the ratio of fat to breast tissue within your breast, the increased
risk of breast sagging. Having a healthy diet will also be protective (i.e.,
slow down) of aging effects and sagging effects.

Also, please note that breast sagging worsens with the
number of pregnancies you have, and that neither greater weight gain during
pregnancy or breast-feeding is found to be associated with a higher risk of breast
sagging.

Additionally, there are many health fitness magazines and
fitness trainers that propagate the claim that participation in regular upper
body exercise prevents or corrects sagging. However, there is still no evidence
of a protective effect. However, it is recommended to wear sports bra during
exercise because the constant pull of gravity and the excessive movement during
running can stretch the breast tissue possibly leading to sagging.

Having said all this, I urge you to seek a board-certified
plastic surgeon to have an in-person consultation for a breast lift. A breast
lift can raise your breasts, make them firmer, perkier, and more aesthetically
pleasing.

Hope this helps.

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have breasts similar to yours early in life. You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon to see what your options are. If your breasts have stopped growing, you may very well want to consider a breast reduction. This operation also gives you a very nice Lift and makes your breasts more proportionate to your body.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

The breast development during puberty can result in a wide range of sizes, shapes and asymmetries. You have some features of tubular breast development based on your photo provided. Reshaping, lifting and improving your symmetry is possible. An experience Plastic Surgeon will be able to discuss your options, the risks and the limitations of surgery. Improving your comfort and confidence is likely to be be very successful when you are ready.Regards,Dr. Mosher

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Many people choose cosmetic surgery to change/reduce the size of their breasts. In your case a breast lift or mastopexy would allow your Plastic Surgeon to remove excess skin, reposition and resize the areolas and  create a new, perkier breast shape without losing much in the way of volume. I recommend that you book an in person consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals and options.All the best

John Philip Connors III, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photo. Unfortunately breasts develop differently in every one (men and women) and differently on each side. It is more uncommon to find someone with symmetrical breasts. We see many patients like yourself. A couple options can be available depending on what your long term goal may be. A breast lift (mastopexy) will help lift the breast although you may loose a half to full cup size. Another option would be performing a mastopexy and placing an implant if you are wanting maximum upper pole fullness and not wanting to go smaller in volume. As with any change to the body you want to sit down and decided what is the most important priority (such as symmetry, incisions, volume, etc). Exploring options with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will definitely benefit you and hopefully help allow you to be a confidant woman.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  This is very normal and much more common than you think, even at your age.  You are not alone and you can get help with this if you want.  A breast lift can improve the shape and contour of your breasts.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The
most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Joseph G. Bauer, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for your photographs. Breast like yours are not uncommon. Surgery can improve your comfort and the appearance. It appears that a breast lift would likely address all your concerns. I would recommend that you seek out a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in order to review your options.

Is Breast Ptosis normal on an 18 year old? (photos)

Answers (14)