Your breasts are constantly evolving. Age, hormones, weight fluctuations, and gravity all contribute to how breast shape shifts over time. Whether you’ve had implants or not, these natural changes are inevitable — but they look a little different depending on your breast surgery history.
Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. John J. Corey has spent decades helping women understand and address these changes. Known for his superior results as a strictly cosmetic breast specialist, Dr. Corey delivers care rooted in expertise and long-term outcomes.
How Natural Breasts Evolve With Age
Even without implants, breast tissue is highly responsive to hormone levels, weight gain or loss, and the aging process. Here are some common changes:
- Loss of firmness and elasticity: Collagen (a protein that gives the skin structure) production decreases with age, leading to sagging.
- Volume change: Many women experience a change, either more or less, in breast volume, especially after menopause.
- Changes in nipple position: Nipples may begin to sit lower on the chest or even point downward towards the floor.
- Stretching of the skin: Weight gain and loss can stretch the skin and make it harder to “bounce back.”
These changes are gradual, but they often become more noticeable in your 40s and 50s.
How Implants Influence Aging Breasts
Breast implants can maintain fullness, but they don’t stop the aging process. Over time, you may notice:
- Tissue sagging over the implant: Implants placed years ago may hold their position high up on the breast, however over time, the natural breast tissue on top of the implant may begin to slide off the front of the implant to a lower postion, called “water-falling”.
- Rippling or visible edges: If breast tissue thins with age, implants can become more apparent.
- Implant position shifting: Especially after weight loss or pregnancy, implants may move slightly, out to the side or down too low.
In some cases, patients consider a breast lift or implant replacement to restore balance and support.
How to Maintain Breast Appearance as You Age
There’s no way to stop yourself from getting older, but there are ways to age more gracefully:
- Wear supportive bras, especially during exercise.
- Maintain a stable weight to avoid repeated stretching of the skin.
- Understand that as you age, your breasts do too. Be realistic in what you goals are with any type of breast revision. Simply said, the results you saw when you had implants placed in your 20’s will not be the same result in your later years.
Considering a Change? Let’s Talk.
If you’re concerned about how your breasts are aging — with or without implants — you’re not alone. Call Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, at 480-767-7700 to schedule a consultation with Dr. John J. Corey and explore your options for looking and feeling your best.