Every woman desires firm breasts, yet breasts gradually sag with age. In fact, with daily proper care and elimination of bad living habits, the speed of breast sagging can be delayed effectively.
"Breast ptosis generally stems from two factors," said Dr. Mao Feng from the Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The first is ligament laxity, and the second is excessive breast weight. Dr. Mao emphasized that daily breast care is of great importance. Care should start from adolescence, even from the onset of breast development.
1. Prevent the breasts from impact and compression
The breasts are among the most delicate body parts for women and must be protected from harm.
2. Select well-fitted bras
Bra sizes shall be chosen according to breast shapes:
- Full-cup bras fully wrap the breasts and gather loose or spreading breast tissue, suitable for women with full busts.
- Half-cup bras support the lower half of the breasts directly, ideal for those with sagging breasts.
- Side-support cups push breast tissue inward from both sides to create a fuller cleavage, perfect for women with widely spaced or flat breasts.
Song Ping, Associate Chief Physician of the Dermatology Department, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, reminds women to wear sports bras during workouts. "Without proper sports support, the breasts will swing violently, causing permanent damage to elastic fibrous tissues."
3. Maintain proper sleeping posture
Avoid prone sleeping, as it compresses the breasts and accelerates sagging.
4. Consume sufficient high-protein food
According to Song Ping, fat and collagen constitute the main components of breast tissue. Adequate daily protein intake supplies ample nutrition for the breasts and maintains balanced hormone levels, keeping the bust plump and firm.
5. Avoid hot water stimulation and prolonged hot water soaking
Overly hot water strips the stratum corneum on the skin surface and loosens soft breast tissues gradually. The ideal bath water temperature is 37°C. Do not aim direct running water at the ligaments around the shoulders.
6. Breast massage
Lie supine every day. Use the left hand to support the base of the left breast, while pressing against it with the right palm. Push and lift the breast gently toward the nipple for 20 to 30 times. Repeat the same steps for the right breast.
"Chest expansion exercises also benefit women with already sagging breasts," Dr. Mao suggested. Do a set of chest stretches every hour when sitting, and keep the upper body upright while seated.