Perky breasts are often associated with youthfulness and vitality. Over time, factors such as ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can change breast shape and firmness. Fortunately, natural methods and surgical options are available to help women achieve the desired perkiness.
This guide will explore various strategies to enhance and maintain breast perkiness.
What Are Perky Breasts?
Perky boobs are firm breasts, uplifted, and have a rounded shape. They typically sit higher on the chest and look youthful, with the nipples pointing slightly upward. Breast perkiness is often associated with breasts with good skin elasticity, adequate breast tissue volume, and strong supporting structures, including the breast muscles and ligaments.
Here are the factors that influence perky breasts:
- Skin Elasticity: Elasticity refers to your skin’s ability to stretch. Youthful skin tends to have better elasticity, which helps maintain breast firmness and shape.
- Breast Tissue Volume: Having adequate breast tissue can contribute to breast fullness and perkiness. Genetics, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes can influence breast size.
- Supportive Structures: The chest muscles (pectoralis major) and ligaments within the breasts support and maintain the position. Strong and well-toned breast muscles can help lift and support the breasts.
- Nipple Position: In perky breasts, the nipples typically point slightly upward or directly forward rather than downward.
While some people may naturally have perky breasts, others may seek cosmetic procedures, such as breast lifts or augmentation, to achieve the desired level of perkiness. These procedures can help address issues related to sagging, volume loss, or changes in breast shape.
In the end, what truly counts is how good you feel about yourself and your breast’s shape. Cosmetic procedures can be a personal decision to boost self-confidence and improve the way we see ourselves.
Why Do Breasts Sag?
Breast sagging, or ptosis, can result from various factors, including gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetics, and lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive sun exposure. Collagen and elastin fibres in the skin also break down over time, contributing to sagging.
Our bodies undergo natural changes as we age, and our breasts are no exception. The main reasons behind sagging or less perky breasts include:
1. Age And Skin Elasticity
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen. This reduction in skin elasticity is one of the primary reasons behind breast sagging. The skin’s ability to bounce back diminishes over time, affecting the breasts’ overall firmness and uplifted appearance. Ageing can also decrease glandular tissue, leading to a loss of breast fullness and firmness.
2. Genetics
Genetics plays a role in determining breast shape, size, and elasticity. Some individuals may inherit genetic factors that predispose them to breast sagging. These genetic traits can include skin type, breast tissue density, and the strength of the ligaments supporting the breasts.
3. Weight Fluctuations
Quickly going up and down in weight like a yo-yo can actually have a noticeable impact on your breasts. When you gain weight, your breasts may get bigger because they store some of that extra fat. Conversely, losing a significant amount of weight can cause deflation of breast tissue. These fluctuations can lead to changes in breast shape and sagging.
4. Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are significant life events that can profoundly impact breast shape and volume. During pregnancy, the breast tissue enlarges to prepare for lactation, and this expansion can lead to stretching of the skin and ligaments. Once breastfeeding is complete, breasts may not return to their pre-pregnancy appearance, often resulting in sagging.
5. Gravity
Over time, the natural force of gravity takes its toll on the breasts. The continuous pull of gravity can cause the breast tissue to descend gradually, contributing to breast ptosis. This effect is more pronounced in individuals with larger or heavier breasts.
How Smoking Can Cause Sagging Breasts
Smoking can have several adverse effects on breast health and may contribute to breast sagging in the following ways:
1. Skin Damage
Smoking damages the skin by reducing blood flow and oxygen supply, resulting in premature skin ageing, including the skin on the breasts. The loss of skin elasticity and collagen caused by smoking can lead to sagging breasts.
2. Reduced Collagen Production
Smoking is known to mess with your skin’s collagen production. Collagen is this protein that helps keep your skin all firm and springy. But when you smoke, it can mess with your collagen levels, making your skin more likely to droop and sag. Not a great trade-off for a nicotine fix, right?
3. Weakened Ligaments
Smoking may weaken the ligaments that support the breasts. These ligaments play a crucial role in maintaining breast shape and preventing sagging. Weakened ligaments can result in reduced breast support and contribute to breast ptosis.
4. Skin Wrinkles
Smoking is a known cause of premature skin wrinkling. Developing fine lines and wrinkles on the breasts can make them appear less firm and youthful.
5. Breast Cancer Risk
Smoking is a known troublemaker when it comes to cancer. And when someone’s fighting breast cancer, the treatments they go through might involve surgeries or other stuff that can change how their breasts look and even make them sag.
6. Poor Blood Circulation
Smoking impairs blood circulation, which can affect the overall health of breast tissue. Poor circulation may reduce the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to breast cells, potentially leading to changes in breast tissue and skin quality.
To maintain perky breasts and overall breast health, avoiding firsthand smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoking are advisable.
Preventing Breast Sagging
While preventing breast sagging is challenging, several measures can help maintain breast firmness. These measures include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing a supportive bra, and avoiding excessive weight fluctuations.
1. Chest Exercises
Strengthening the chest muscles can improve the appearance of breasts. Chest presses, push-ups, and exercises targeting the pectoral muscles can help lift and tone the chest area.
2. Maintaining A Healthy Diet
Eating right is like giving your skin a big, healthy hug. Plus, staying hydrated and chowing down on foods that pump up your collagen levels can really help keep your breasts in good shape.
3. Proper Skin Care
Maintaining skin elasticity is essential for breast health. Regular moisturisation and protection from harmful UV rays can support skin health, preventing premature sagging.
4. Wearing The Right Bra
A study by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) highlighted a concerning fact: over 80% of women wear the incorrect bra size. The importance of a well-fitted bra cannot be overstated. Not only does it provide optimal support, but it also plays a significant role in lifting your breasts and maintaining their perky shape.
For your utmost comfort and support, it’s advisable to seek professional bra fitting services at least once a year. Communicate with a professional at the lingerie store about your breast shape. Whether your breasts are naturally round, slightly asymmetrical, or exhibit some sagging can influence the type of bra that best suits your needs and ensures your breasts are well-supported.
Surgical Options For Perkier Breasts
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, or breast implant surgery, is all about placing silicone or saline implants to improve breast size and shape. While primarily aimed at increasing volume, breast implants can improve breast fullness and upper pole projection, creating a perkier appearance.
2. Mastopexy (Breast Lifting)
A breast lift is a common cosmetic surgical procedure that addresses breast sagging. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the chest tissue is lifted and reshaped to achieve a more youthful and perky contour.
3. Combining Breast Augmentation And Lift
Some women opt for a combination of breast implant and lift to achieve increased volume and improved breast position and firmness. This approach can provide comprehensive results, especially for those with significant breast sagging.
4. Internal Bra Technique
Some innovative surgical techniques, such as the internal bra technique, involve using sutures or mesh to create an internal support structure for the breasts., providing a longer-lasting lift and perkiness.
Mastopexy Procedure
A mastopexy, a breast lift, is a surgery designed to raise and reshape sagging or drooping breasts. The procedure involves several steps:
1. Anaesthesia
You’ll be given anaesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout the surgery. The options for your cosmetic surgery will be either intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia, according to your surgeon’s choice.
2. Incision
The surgeon will make some cuts on your breasts; how big and where they are will depend on how much sagging you’ve got going on and your personalised plan. There are three common incision patterns:
- Peri-areolar Incision: A circular incision is made around the areola (the dark area around the nipple). This incision is suitable for patients with mild sagging.
- Vertical Incision: In addition to the peri-areolar incision, a vertical incision is cut from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. Vertical cutting is used when your breasts are drooping a bit, but not too much.
- Inverted T or Anchor Incision: An inverted T or anchor incision is made for more significant sagging. This incision involves the peri-areolar incision, a vertical incision, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease, allowing for the most extensive reshaping and lifting.
3. Reshaping and Lifting
After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove any excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to create a firmer and youthful breast appearance. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned to a higher location on the breast.
4. Closing Incisions
The surgeon will carefully close the incisions to minimise scarring. Dissolvable sutures are often used for the inner layers, and external sutures are removed within a week or two.
5. Dressings And Supportive Garments
Sterile dressings or bandages are applied over the incisions, and you’ll be provided with a surgical bra or compression garment to support the breasts during the initial healing phase.
6. Recovery
Once you’re done, you might notice some swelling, bruising, or discomfort, which is common. You can take some pain medications to help with any discomfort, and you’ll be on your way to perky breasts in no time.
7. Follow-Up Care
You must attend follow-ups with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress. Your surgeon will guide post-operative care, including when it’s safe to return to normal activities and resume wearing regular bras.
Mastopexy surgery is typically performed outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day as the procedure. While recovery times vary, most patients can return to work and regular activities within a week or two, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. Here’s an overview of a typical augmentation surgery:
1. Anaesthesia
You’ll undergo anaesthesia, just as with breast lift surgery, to ensure you’re comfortable during the surgery. The options typically include intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on your surgeon’s recommendations and preferences.
2. Incision
The surgeon will make a cut to create a pocket for the breast implants. There are different incision options:
- Inframammary Incision: An incision is made along the crease underneath the breast. Inframammary incision is the most common incision site and offers good visibility for implant placement.
- Peri-areolar Incision: An incision is made around the edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). This incision is less noticeable but may limit the size and type of implants used.
- Transaxillary Incision: An incision is made in the armpit area. This approach leaves no visible scars on the breast but may require an endoscope for implant placement.
- Transumbilical Incision (TUBA): An incision that is made near the navel, and the implants are inserted through a tunnel to the breast area. It’s less commonly used.
3. Implant Placement
There are two primary implant placement options:
- Subglandular (Over the Muscle): The implants are placed between the breast muscle and the breast tissue.
- Submuscular (Under the Muscle): The implants are placed beneath the chest muscle. This option can provide more natural-looking results and reduce the risk of visible rippling.
4. Implant Selection
You’ll have a chat with your surgeon about the kind of breast implants that will work best for you to achieve your desired look and match your body type. There are different options — like saline or silicone gel — and they come in various shapes — like round or teardrop — and profiles, which is how much they project. Together, you and your surgeon will figure out what suits you best.
5. Closing Incisions
After placing the implants and properly positioning them, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures. Dissolvable sutures are often used for the inner layers, and external sutures or adhesive strips may be applied.
6. Dressings And Supportive Garments
Sterile dressings or bandages are applied over the incisions, and you will be provided with a compression garment or a surgical bra to support the breasts during the initial healing phase.
7. Recovery
You’ll be monitored in a recovery area to ensure your condition is stable. Some swelling and discomfort are normal, but these can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
8. Follow-Up Care
You must attend follow-ups with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress. Your cosmetic clinic will guide post-operative care, including when it’s safe to return to normal activities.
Usually, breast augmentation is also done as an outpatient thing, which means you get to head back home on the same day. Now, recovery times can differ, but in most cases, women are back to work and their usual stuff within a week or two. Just remember to take it easy on the heavy-duty workouts for a few weeks.
Choosing a professional experienced in breast augmentation procedures is crucial to achieve the best results and minimise potential complications. Your professional will discuss the specific details of your procedure during a consultation, including implant options and expected outcomes.
Non-Surgical Options For Perky Breasts
If you want perky breasts instantly without cosmetic surgeries, here are quick tips you can use:
1. Choosing The Right Bra
Wearing a well-fitted bra with proper support can lift and enhance the appearance of the breasts. Push-up bras and balconette bras can provide an instant lift and perky cleavage.
2. Silicone Bra Inserts
Silicone bra inserts, often called chicken cutlets or silicone push-up pads, can be placed inside your bra to add volume and lift to your breasts. They are an excellent option to make your breasts perkier on special occasions.
3. Makeup And Contouring
Many women don’t have time to get a toned chest through surgery. You might have an occasion tonight that you want to feel confident in, and you don’t want to be wearing a bra that’s too visible. As a quick DIY hack, you can use makeup for boob contouring to achieve perkier breasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are breast implants the only way to achieve perky breasts?
Breast implants are one option, but breast lift surgery and non-surgical alternatives like fat grafting and silicone bra inserts can also help achieve perky breasts.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift procedure?
Breastfeeding after a breast lift is possible, but discussing your plans with your surgeon is essential, as the procedure may affect milk ducts.
Does health insurance cover breast lift surgery?
In some situations, breast lift surgery may be covered by health insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary. However, cosmetic breast lifts are typically not covered.
Getting Perkier Breasts
In pursuing firmer breasts, exploring both natural methods and surgical options is essential. Lifestyle choices, exercise routines, and skin care can improve breast health and firmness. However, surgical procedures like breast augmentation and breast lift surgery can provide transformative results for those seeking more significant enhancements.
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, consult a professional to develop a personalised plan. Whether you choose natural methods or surgical intervention, maintaining overall breast health should remain a priority.
Remember, prioritising your overall breast health and well-being is the key to achieving perkier breasts.
Do you want to make your breasts perky? Drop Refine Clinic, Sydney, a ring at (02) 8599 7161, and our professional team will help you get those perky boobs!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
American Society of cosmetic Surgeons. “Breast Augmentation Procedure Steps.” American Society of cosmetic Surgeons, www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/procedure.
Breast Lift – Mayo Clinic. 7 July 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218.
Flair, Haute, and Haute Flair. “The Science Behind Perky Breasts/Boobs and How to Keep Your Them Lifted.” HauteFlair, Sept. 2023, hauteflair.com/blogs/lingerie/perky-breasts-and-boobs-guide.
Harrington, Jessica. “What Is Internal-Bra Surgery? | POPSUGAR Beauty.” POPSUGAR Beauty, 18 Aug. 2023, www.popsugar.com/beauty/internal-bra-surgery-48944141.
“How to Get Perky Breasts Without Exercise.” Namyaa Skincare, 12 Aug. 2022, namyaa.in/blogs/magazine/how-to-get-perky-breasts-without-exercise.
Narins, Elizabeth. “5 Ways to Make Your Breasts Look Perkier.” Cosmopolitan, 25 Aug. 2022, www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a52435/ways-to-make-your-chest-look-perkier.
Smoking. www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/smoking.
Watson, Stephanie. “Mastopexy (Breast Lift).” Healthline, 17 July 2023, www.healthline.com/health/mastopexy.
“What to Know About Sagging Breasts.” WebMD, 27 May 2021, www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-about-sagging-breasts.
Wood, Katherine, et al. “Breast Size, Bra Fit and Thoracic Pain in Young Women: A Correlational Study.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, vol. 16, no. 1, Springer Science+Business Media, Mar. 2008.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-16-1.
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