There’s an old saying tha an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In my practice in Denver, breast lifts and tummy tucks can certainly help patients get their looks back on track,* but in many cases, these procedures can be delayed by regularly taking better care of yourself.
Certain activities like smoking, drinking, prolonged sun exposure and large weight fluctuations will not only lead to sagging, wrinkled skin and poor complexions, but possible major health complications later on. Later in life and after pregnancy, some sagging might be unavoidable, and for that, breast lifts and body contouring procedures can be excellent options.* However, in terms of breast health, I counsel with the following tips.
Keep Your Weight Stable
Large weight fluctuations are not only bad for cardiovascular health, they also can wreak havoc on the skin and breast tissue. Losing a large amount of weight quickly and gaining it back again significantly reduces skin elasticity, which can never be regained without surgical retightening. If you need to lose weight—even a significant amount of weight—try to lose it gradually to give your skin time to adjust. Make sure that your weight loss efforts are concentrated in exercise and not starvation, since you will need to strengthen your muscles in order to maintain the appearance of firm and healthy breasts. Pushups, bench presses and lifting free weights can be excellent activities for strengthening the pectoral muscles.
Wear Well-Fitted Bras
Keep your breasts in a good position with a bra that is comfortable, supportive and fits properly. Many bra retailers such as Victoria’s Secret offer complimentary bra fittings, and women are often surprised to learn they’ve been wearing the wrong bra size for many years. It is especially important to wear a sports bra during exercise for comfort and to keep the breasts in place. Failing to have the adequate support during exercise can cause not only severe discomfort, but also sagging, stretching of the skin and stretch marks.
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
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Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
