Sadly, breasts lose their pertness with every decade that passes. The good news? There are easy ways to give them a natural boost
WORDS: DEBRA WATERS. MAIN PHOTO: ALAMY. *TNPLASTICSURGEON.CO.UK. **FUNCTIONAL-MEDICINE.ASSOCIATES. ***ORAL COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DERMATOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CHECK WITH YOUR GP OR MEDICAL EXPERT BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS.
As we get older, it’s not only our energy levels that lose their oomph – our boobs do, too. ‘The main reasons for breast ptosis – or droop – are gravity and age,’ says plastic and reconstructive surgeon Theo Nanidis*. ‘The tissues age and collagen stretches and loses its strength and elasticity. And the larger the breasts – the higher the risk.’ But there are easy ways to get the best from middle-aged breasts. Here’s how to help reverse the sag…
What else is to blame?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and extreme weight fluctuations may contribute to sagging, as can our genes. ‘Genetics play a role in the speed of oestrogen and collagen loss, and the amount of glandular tissue there is to begin with,’ explains functional medicine specialist Deirdre Nazareth**. Your mum may hold a clue. ‘An indicator of how a woman’s breasts will mature is how the breasts of their mother have matured,’ says Theo.
Collagen is key
Collagen, it seems, is integral to pertness. ‘Collagen is what gives our skin that plump, firm, youthful appearance. When it depletes, our skin starts to sag,’ says Deirdre. The result isn’t just wrinkles, but boob droop.
Between the ages of 45-55 years, collagen depletes significantly and we lose up to 30% of our collagen production in the first five menopausal years, says Deirdre. To counteract this, some women swear by collagen supplements. In fact, a 2019 review*** of 11 studies found that oral collagen supplements increased skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen. Is this the answer? ‘There’s a debate on their efficacy for improving collagen,’ says Deidre. ‘It’s not a complete protein, so while it has eight of the nine essential amino acids, it’s important to ensure a balanced diet.’ The quality of the collagen is important, too – and supplements aren’t always cheap.
Acceptance
The truth is that when we age our bodies change. Rather than fight this, there needs to be more acceptance and normalisation about older women’s bodies, urges Deirdre. ‘Shift the focus to what parts of your body you love, and honour what your body has done in your life,’ she says. ‘Remember that although it feels like you’re th
