By Jerome Edelstein, MD
Although most patients undergoing a breast augmentation are most concerned with the immediate results, it is important to also consider how your breast implants will look over time, as a breast augmentation is a long-term commitment. While follow up appointments may be necessary down the road, in most cases, breast implants age very well provided that you take good care of your body. However, a number of different factors associated with aging may bring about changes in your breasts over time.
Menopause & Other Hormonal Changes Impact Your Breasts
The hormones that are associated with various stages of a woman’s life including pregnancy and breastfeeding, menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause can have an impact on the appearance of your breasts. Menopause, in particular, may reduce the fullness or firmness of the breasts, however, the size and shape of the implants themselves will not be affected, which may minimize the extent of the hormonal changes experienced.
Loss Of Elasticity May Cause Your Breasts To Sag
Unfortunately, over time, our skin begins to lose its elasticity. Genetics and your level of sun damage both dictate how flexible and elastic your skin is, which is why it is important to take great care to protect your skin from the sun. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will also help to maintain your skin’s condition.
The Ligaments Supporting Your Breasts May Weaken Over Time
Ligaments help to support the breasts but over time, as a result of the effects of gravity and hormones, these ligaments are weakened, which can result in sagging. While breast implants are not believed to impact this change, it is advisable to wear a supportive bra during the day and a sports bra for all exercise in order to minimize the daily stress on these ligaments.
Larger Breasts Can Begin To Sag
In most cases, women with larger breasts experience more sagging than women with smaller breasts. As a result, individuals with larger implants may experience more sagging as they age. However, provided that the implants are proportionate to your body, this sagging will appear to be natural.
Weight Fluctuations Will Impact Your Breast Size
Although your implant size will remain the same, significant weight gain or loss can have an impact on your natural breast tissue. Thus, weight gain and loss can cause the breasts to sag, however, this is true of women without implants as well.While your breasts may change over time as a result of the natural aging process, provided that you take care and follow a healthy lifestyle, the outcome of your breast augmentation can last for many years to come. To ensure your long-term satisfaction with the results, it is important to have realistic expectations of the procedure and to understand that all women experience some sagging as they age.To learn more about this transformative procedure, please contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome Edelstein or Dr. Jindal, leading Toronto breast augmentation plastic surgeons.