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Home/Blog / How to Firm Sagging Breasts

How to Firm Sagging Breasts

June 20, 2025

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Minnesota, has helped countless patients restore a youthful breast contour through both non-surgical and surgical techniques. At Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery in Edina & Burnsville, MN, we offer a range of personalized solutions to address sagging breasts and enhance confidence.

Sagging breasts, medically known as breast ptosis, are a common concern for many women and men. Whether due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or genetics, the loss of breast firmness can impact self-confidence. If you are seeking solutions to improve breast appearance, you’re not alone.

Why Do Breasts Sag?

Breast sagging is a natural process that occurs as the body ages, but various factors can accelerate it. As skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, breasts may appear less firm and perky. The continuous pull of gravity gradually weakens breast ligaments, leading to sagging. Additionally, repeated weight gain and loss can stretch the skin, reducing its ability to bounce back, while hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause breast tissue to expand and contract, leading to a stretched appearance. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to looser breast tissue and skin, while lifestyle habits such as poor posture, smoking, and not wearing supportive bras can also accelerate sagging.

Can You Firm Sagging Breasts Without Surgery?

While non-surgical cosmetic treatments cannot completely reverse sagging, they can improve breast appearance and delay further sagging. Strengthening the underlying pectoral muscles can create a firmer, more lifted look.

Engaging in exercises like chest presses and push-ups can enhance muscle tone beneath the breast tissue, providing additional support. Dumbbell flys and resistance training help target the upper body, improving muscle definition and enhancing the overall structure of the chest.

Beyond exercise, maintaining a stable weight is crucial in preventing excess stretching of breast skin. Incorporating a nutritious diet that supports collagen production, staying hydrated, and using firming lotions with collagen-boosting ingredients can help maintain skin elasticity. Wearing a properly fitted, supportive bra can reduce strain on breast ligaments and prevent further sagging. Additionally, practicing good posture by keeping shoulders back and maintaining an upright stance enhances the natural appearance of the breasts.

When to Consider a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

If non-surgical options are not providing the desired results, a breast lift may be the most effective solution. A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes and repositions the breasts for a more youthful appearance.

Common signs that you may benefit from a breast lift include nipples sitting below the breast crease, a loss of breast volume, or excess skin causing discomfort or irritation. If your breasts have a deflated appearance and you desire a firmer, lifted look, a breast lift may be the ideal procedure.

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Minnesota, specializes in breast lift surgery designed to restore shape and firmness. Patients at Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery in Edina & Burnsville receive expert guidance and a customized approach to their surgical plan to achieve optimal results.

Breast Lift Surgery: What to Expect

Breast lift surgery is designed to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue for a firmer, more youthful appearance. Dr. Gryskiewicz utilizes a variety of techniques to achieve natural-looking results based on the degree of sagging and the patient’s goals.

The Crescent Lift is suitable for those with minimal sagging, requiring only a small incision along the upper half of the areola. The Periareolar (Donut) Lift involves an incision around the entire areola, making it ideal for moderate sagging. For more extensive reshaping, the Vertical (Lollipop) Lift extends an incision from the areola down to the breast fold. For individuals experiencing severe sagging, the Anchor Lift provides the most comprehensive reshaping, using incisions around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the breast fold.

For those seeking a fuller, lifted look, breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer can be combined with a breast lift to restore lost volume while achieving a more youthful shape.

Recovery and Results: What Patients Should Know

Recovery after a breast lift varies by individual, but most patients can return to light activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising are common in the first few weeks, with full healing and final results taking several months.

To minimize scarring, patients can use silicone sheets or gels and follow post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can also help preserve long-term results.

Common Myths About Sagging Breasts

Many misconceptions surround sagging breasts and treatment options. One common myth is that exercise alone can lift sagging breasts, but while exercise strengthens chest muscles, it cannot tighten skin or reposition breast tissue. Another myth suggests that only older women need a breast lift, but younger women also experience sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy, and genetics. Additionally, many believe that breastfeeding causes permanent sagging, but research shows that pregnancy itself, rather than breastfeeding, contributes to breast changes.

Why Choose Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz at Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery?

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Minnesota, has earned a reputation for delivering natural, long-lasting results. His personalized treatment plans ensure each patient receives care tailored to their unique goals.

At Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery in Edina & Burnsville, MN, our state-of-the-art facility provides the highest level of patient safety and comfort. Dr. Gryskiewicz’s meticulous approach to breast surgery has led to high patient satisfaction and confidence-boosting outcomes.

Take the Next Step: Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to restore breast firmness and confidence, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz, board-certified plastic surgeon in Minnesota, is the first step toward achieving your desired results.

Location: Edina & Burnsville, MN
Call Now: 952-435-0177

Take the first step toward firmer, more youthful-looking breasts today!

Sagging Breast FAQs

How do I know if I need a breast lift or implants?

A breast lift corrects sagging and reshapes the breasts, while implants add volume. Some patients may benefit from a combination of both in a breast lift with implants. A consultation with Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz will help determine the best approach for you.

Will a breast lift make my breasts smaller?

A breast lift does not remove significant breast tissue but reshapes and lifts the breasts. Some patients notice a slightly smaller appearance due to the tightening of the skin.

Can exercise prevent or reverse sagging breasts?

While exercise strengthens the chest muscles, it cannot reverse skin laxity or reposition sagging breasts. Surgery is the most effective way to achieve long-lasting lifting results.

How long do the results of a breast lift last?

Results can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. Aging and gravity will continue to have an effect over time.

Is a breast lift painful?

Discomfort is manageable with prescribed pain medication. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness for the first week post-surgery.
How soon can I return to work after a breast lift?

Most patients can return to light work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their job.

Will there be visible scars after a breast lift?

Scarring is minimal and fades over time with proper care. Dr. Gryskiewicz uses advanced techniques to place incisions discreetly.

Medical References

This blog has been authored by “Dr. Joe” Gryskiewicz MD, FACS.

About Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz:

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing aesthetic surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The Rhinoplasty Society, and many other national institutions.

In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Joe is a writer and international speaker. He has traveled the world delivering over five hundred presentations to professional organizations on plastic surgery topics such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, hot topics, and ethics. He writes for a number of medical journals, society newsletters, and academic publications.

About Dr. John Luck:

Dr. John Luck is a highly skilled plastic surgeon specializing in facial and neck rejuvenation, as well as breast enhancement and body contouring procedures. With a passion for precision and first-rate results, Dr. Luck combines cutting-edge techniques with a patient-focused approach to maintain unmatched levels of patient satisfaction in deep plane facelifts, deep neck lifts, and more. As a graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Luck was one of only four graduates in the world selected to receive world-class plastic surgery training at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is heavily involved in research and has published numerous articles in the top academic journals in the country.