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LAGOS Gynaecologist, Dr. BIMBO SOPEIN
Dr. Bimbo Sopein is a Lagos-based Gynaecologist and women’s health advocate, and the Medical Director of TopAid Medical Centre, Ijegun, Lagos.With years of experience in obstetrics, gynaecology and family health practice, Dr. Sopein is known for his dedication to providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to women.His practice focuses on antenatal care, safe delivery, fertility counselling, family planning, menstrual disorders, breast health and general gynaecological consultations.He is also passionate about preventive care and health education.Dr. Sopein is a regular voice on women’s health issues on social media, committed to helping women make informed decision about their reproductive health.
He currently runs his private practice at TopAid Medical Centre, Ijegun, Lagos. A few days back he spoke to City People WOLE ALAKIJA on reasons many women get saggy breasts in young age. Read on!
First, is it normal for young women in their 20s to experience saggy breasts?
Yes, it is possible. While breast sagging known medically as ptosis is more common with aging, we now see it increasingly in many of our young women. It is not always a disease, but often the result of certain lifestyle habits, hormonal changes, and how the breast tissue is managed.
What is the number one habit you see causing breast sag in young women?
Not wearing the right bra, especially a supportive sports bra during exercise for instance .The breasts have no muscle; they are supported by skin and ligaments called Cooper’s ligaments. When you run, jump or do vigorous activity without support, those ligaments stretch irreversibly and can be very uncomfortable.
Does sleeping with or without a bra cause breasts to sag?
For most women, sleeping without a bra does not directly cause sagging. However, for women with larger breasts, sleeping without any light support can cause the breast tissue to pull downward for 6-8 hours daily. A light, comfortable sleep bra can help, but a tight underwear bra to sleep is not advisable.It suffocates the breasts tissue ditto ladies who over tight their wrappers when covering their bodies.
How does weight gain affect breast firmness?
This is a major factor. When you gain weight, breast tissue and fat stretch the skin. When you crash-diet and lose weight quickly, the skin becomes loose and the breast appears saggy. Dieting is one of the worst habits for breast firmness.
Many young women believe breastfeeding causes sagging. Is this true?
This is a common misconception. Research has shown that breastfeeding itself does not cause sagging. What causes sagging is pregnancy itself, because weight gain and hormonal changes enlarge the breasts and stretch the ligaments. Whether you breastfeed or not, that stretching has already happened. Breastfeeding is highly beneficial and should not be avoided for this reason.
Can smoking and lifestyle habits like alcohol contribute?
Absolutely,smoking destroys elastin and collagen, the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. This accelerates aging of breast skin. Excessive alcohol and poor diet lacking protein, Vitamin C and Vitamin E also affect skin health and collagen formation.
What about posture?
Poor posture is a silent cause. Constant slouching, especially when pressing phones or working on laptops, makes breasts hang with gravity and over time weakens the chest support. Sitting upright with shoulders back helps keep the chest muscles and breast tissue lifted.
Does excessive Sun exposure also have any effect?
Yes. Many young ladies wear low-cut clothes under direct Sun without sunscreen. Ultraviolet rays break down collagen and elastin in the delicate skin of the chest area, causing premature wrinkling and sagging.
Are there any exercises that make sagging worse or better?
High-impact exercises done without support will worsen sagging. However, strengthening the pectoral muscles under the breast through exercises like wall push-ups, chest presses and planks can give a better lift and appearance. The breast itself cannot be toned because it has no muscle, but the muscle beneath can be strengthened.
What is your advice to young women who want to prevent early sagging?
Wear a well-fitted, supportive bra, especially during sports. Maintain a stable, healthy weight and avoid crash diets.
Quit smoking and eat foods rich in collagen-building nutrients – fruits, vegetables, protein and drink plenty of water.
Also practice good posture. If you notice rapid changes, pain, lumps or discharge, please see a qualified gynaecologist immediately for examination.
Dr Sopein adds that breast sagging is natural and nothing to be ashamed of but these healthy habits can delay it and keep your breasts healthier for longer appeal to yourself or your spouse.
