24 Feb 2026 | by Vickram Jay Tandon, MD, FACS
Media attention is a funny thing. Oftentimes, the story that hits the zeitgeist isn’t the whole picture. This is certainly true with the breasts. The focus online is almost exclusively on volume — specifically, how to increase breast size with an implant. Breast surgery is one of my areas of expertise. And while a breast augmentation can be a fantastic option for rejuvenating the body, many people fail to understand that the goal of any breast procedure is to deliver the right shape breast for your unique anatomy. It’s about creating or restoring proper proportion. Size is a component of breast shape, but so is nipple position and skin tone. The latter two work in tandem and may be greatly influenced by life. Here is how aging, pregnancy and weight changes alter breast position.
Age Affects the Skin & Tissues Everywhere on the Body
Birthdays can be fabulous. It’s a chance to celebrate another year on this planet. However, after age 25, each additional candle on that birthday cake comes with a natural decline in the amount of collagen and elastin in your tissues. Collagen is your skin’s natural support system. It’s like the foundation of a house. And elastin is what allows it to be flexible — to not just move around with ease, but to also “bounce back” after you laugh, smile or cry. Levels of both decline about 1 - 1.5% annually after 25, but this decline ramps up considerably for women during menopause. The end result of this natural loss in skin elasticity and collagen is a weakening in your connective tissues. In terms of the breasts specifically, you may notice that they sit lower on your chest even if the size has not altered. One of the easiest to see if this is you is to stand straight in front of a mirror and notice your nipple position. Are they still centered on your chest wall, facing forward, or are they heading towards the floor? A mild degree of sagging may be improved with a breast augmentation with an implant. But a moderate to severe amount of drooping is going to probably require a:
- Breast Lift
- Mastopexy Augmentation
Schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, who specializes in breast surgery as any treatment plan is only effective if it is the right one for your individual anatomy, desired outcome and lifestyle.
Pregnancy May Significantly Alter Breast Position
Pregnancy is one of those life changes that can significantly alter your breast position. The:
- Hormonal shifts
- Weight gain
- Breast tissue expansion
These are natural body changes that must occur. And the end result of a healthy, happy baby is worth it. Unfortunately, not every woman’s breasts bounce back to their pre-baby shape. Breastfeeding may also put additional strain as it further stretches the skin and tissues. Again, the end result can be breasts that sit lower on the chest wall. Some patients also notice a decline in breast volume once they stop breastfeeding.
Options to Improve Breast Position Following Weight Loss in Boston
As with weight gain, weight loss can also significantly affect your breast position. The breasts are largely composed of fatty tissue. For this reason, weight fluctuations in either direction may reduce volume and compromise skin support. One of the issues that body contouring experts such as myself are seeing a lot these days is what happens when a patient loses a lot of weight quickly, with a GLP-1 drug for example. If breast volume decreases faster than the skin can retract, your breasts may appear deflated or sagging. A breast lift either on its own or with an appropriate sized breast implant can be an effective procedure for improving your body contour post pregnancy. I do recommend, however, that you wait until you are done having children and your weight has stabilized. Otherwise, further weight gain/loss could adversely affect your result.
To find out more about a breast augmentation, breast lift, mastopexy augmentation, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
