I am 19 with severe sagging breasts, is this normal? What are my options? (Photos)

Unfortunately, genetics and weight changes can adversely affect your breasts and are not under your control.

Best results would be with a breast lift to restore shape and sagging plus an implant or fat transfer for more upper fullness.

This will restore higher, fuller and perkier breasts.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Please see my instagram for a patient like you. You need a mastopexy (breast lift). No implant is needed so please don't do this. I'm happy to discuss during a consultation.

You have ptotic, or droopy, breasts. This can be a result of many things, including genetics, size of your breasts, and weight gain/loss. This happens at a variety of ages, and you certainly are not alone in having this in your teens! A breast lift is a great option to help lift and reshape your breasts. An augmentation alone would not give you a good result, but if you wanted to be larger an implant or fat transfer could be added to a lift (though this is not necessary). There are some specific issues around doing a breast lift at a young age which would be discussed in detail in a consultation.

Hi, Thank you for your inquiry! We here at Mays Plastic surgery would love to sit down for a consult to discuss your concerns. With breast laxity you have options. A breast lift, and adding volume, whether its fat transfer to your breasts or implants. Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Gbi_tty,
Your photos show your nipples well below the fold under your breasts. Implants will offer you more breast volume and fullness with some improvement in the nipple position and loose skin. Likely though, you will still need a lift. You also need to consider that only saline implants are FDA approved for someone your age, You have to wait until 22 to have silicone implants. You may chose to have a lift alone if you are happy with your breast size (cup size). Best to see a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.
Dr Stein

Dear gbi_tty,

my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure. Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.
Based on your photos, you would benefit from a lift in conjunction with an augmentation (if you are seeking upper pole volume).
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

You have not mentioned a breast lift, which would probably be the recommendation of most plastic surgeons immediately. The extra scars in your case may be a very acceptable alternative to your a saggy breasts. Many woman chose a small implant for upper pole fullness, but you might consider just getting the lift and consider an implant in the future if you think you really want it.

I think a breast lift can you the shape that you desire, and that can restore your confidence. Talk to your surgeon about the realistic expectations. You should be able to achieve a very natural outcome. Best of luck!

Thanks for your question! This is how some women develop and you shouldn't have to feel insecure. I would recommend a full mastopexy (and maybe even a small reduction) to get you the best result. You don't need implants if you don't like the look, but you do need to understand that you will still be hollow in the upper pole.