A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Please, i have this problem that is bothering me so much. It may only be aesthetics but its really getting my down. I have always had big breasts, although they have always been in proportion to my frame. They have never been pert, nor have i ever been able to wear a t-shirt without a bra but i just accepted them as being the size they were and that they didnt point skyward.However recently i have lost a stone in weight. I have noticed that they have lost any signs of elasticity and they now completely point to the floor. They are hideous. If i look down i cant even see my nipples anymore. I feel like i have had 3 kids and breastfed, I'm only EIGHTEEN!!! There is no way i can bare all to a guy like this. They become dry so often and have god-awful stretch marks on them. Please, any advice on how to make them look better, exercise or any other suggestions, are greatly welcomed. Im open to anything, im so fed up with looking like a middle aged woman.
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (4 June 2011): hi again, i'm the annonymous woman who wrote about wearing a bra 24/7.
I'm not an expert in knowing about whats been proved by wearing a bra day and night, so i'm only sharing my own experiences.
I became pregnant at 17, which is why i began wearing a bra initially day and night and have never gone back to not wearing one out of comfort, it takes time to get used to wearing it at night but its ok.
I've got 3 children between 16 and 26, and what i noticed about having my children is that your breast size will increase during pregnancy and even more so after a baby is born because of milk filling up the breasts. The delicate tissues can't really support all this weight of the milk and then go back to their original shape, so unless they are very well supported they can sag easily. I also noticed they felt very empty and flat or even very soft for a while after finishing the feeding and the milk had gone. I didn't like this feeling, but i'm sure that by keeping them very well supported it has kept them from sagging. I've also noticed that they have firmed up again over time. It's not something I discuss really but with over 27 years of 24/7 bra wearing behind me i'm very happy that I made that choice and i've no regrets, but now i'm older i think maybe i'm living proof that it can help keep breast in shape by minimising future damage.
In fact, i've only 1 regret, and that was for one night only for one feed! i lay down on my side to feed my youngest child one night out of feeling very tired and exhausted, and from that one feed i've now got one nipple lower than the other one! During pregnancy breasts will change and will produce milk when a baby is born regardless of whether breastfeeding is going to happen, but the key thing is to always support the breasts as best you can during these changes.
Personally i think link's between health and bra wearing can only be positive links, such as keeping breast tissue from becoming overstretched. People wear all kinds of things to bed and it doesn't increase cancer risks i'm sure!
i hope that helps for the future
A
male
reader, Hugh.J +, writes (31 May 2011):
 Breasts are simply fatty tissues (not a doctor so I'm not sure if that's the exact terminology) and have no muscles or ligaments of their own.
You unsupported exercise, with the poor things bouncing up and down, probably did the damage and you can't go back on that now.
Why I recommended hill or stair climbing is because you do get support from the musculature UNDER the breasts and climbing strengthens that area - the more strenuous and prolonged the better.
Ahem; I have been to Derbyshire/the Peak District and need no further proof that it works!
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A
female
reader, k_c100 +, writes (31 May 2011):
 The whole wearing a bra at night has not been 'proven' by scientists, there has been some research that suggests it might help, and Mariyln Monroe used to swear by it apparently. This is the article I read on the issue recently http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1374652/Mariella-Frostrups-pert-boobs-secret-Wear-bra-bed.html. But also keep in mind that for as many studies that say wearing a bra in bed is good, you will get studies that then say wearing a bra in bed causes breast cancer or other health problems. There is no definitive answer - so read up on it online and then make your own choice. In my opinion, I think it might prevent any further sagging, but it definitely wont turn back time and make your breasts perky again.
As for bikini's - I always shop with Figleaves or Bravissimo as they do very sturdy swimwear! The flimsy little things you can buy in Topshop are no use for girls with big boobs, what you need is an underwired bikini top that is in your own bra size so it fits like a normal bra. The two websites I've mentioned have been great for me, I have a collection of lovely swimwear now in my bra size and my boobs look just as good as they do in a bra!
The running you did in your teens could have affected the sagging, cardio exercise where your breasts are bouncing (like running) loosens the muscles that attach the breast to your skeleton and other muscles hence why a good sports bra is critical. I cant say if this is 100% the reason, but I am sure it will have contributed. Try doing swimming in future (this tones the whole body without any bouncing impact) and weights (as I mentioned before) on your upper body to try and get some lift.
As for the stair climbing or hills - he has baffled me too, that surely is just going to work your legs not your chest! Maybe Hugh.J will have to explain that one to us both!
But once again, as I said before, try not to worry too much about your boobs, women have breasts of all different shapes and sizes and I bet if you had a line up of different women you would be amazed at the variation in their breasts. You have to make do with what you have got, and believe me, no guy is going to be put off by boobs if he sees you naked! He will just be so damn happy to see a girl naked who actually has some boobs that unless they are literally down to your waist, he wont care. I bet you are also making it more of an issue in your head that in real life, most women and girls suffer from body dysmorphia where we see something different in our heads to what is actually there in the mirror. In your head it will seem far worse than what is is in reality, so no guy is going to think they are anywhere near as bad as you think they are.
Try the exercising and see how that goes, and also try to not focus on them so much. You have lost a stone - I bet your figure looks fantastic so be proud of yourself and your weight loss, and enjoy your figure! We are all unique, with good bits and bad bits and you simply need to make the most of the good bits, and minimise the bad bits. There is more to life than boobs, despite what some lads mags might have you think - so stop worrying and enjoy life!
Good luck!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (31 May 2011): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHi there :)
Thank you so much for your replies, i am really grateful you have taken the time to do so.
Anonymous:
Is it really proven that wearing your bra 24/7 helps to keep breasts in good shape? And how does it do it? I didn't think it made much of a difference. If it does i will start straight away!
And just a general question about pregnancy, (i am not currently, nor planning to be in the near future, pregnant) even if you do not breast feed will breasts sag after having a baby?
k_c100:
I do try to wear good supporting bras and since i have made a conscious effort to do i have noticed how much of a difference it makes to how my clothes look and my posture. It is when the bra is off that is my main concern. I can't wear bikinis because none of the ones i have tried are not supportive enough and my breasts feel like they're gonna skim my belly button if it wear them. Swimming costumes are a no no; there are some with hidden support, or underwire, but again i do not feel supported enough.
When i was in my early teens i did a lot of long distance running and im not sure my sports bra then was that supportive. Could this have had an adverse effect on my breasts? Could that be a reason (as well as the weight loss) as to why my breasts are lower than they should be?
And believe me, my breasts are not the only thing wrong with my body!
Hugh.J:
Why would climbing a lot of stairs or steep hills be advantageous? I understand that they would get my stamina up and help me become fitter, but i am at loss as to how that would help my situation..?
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A
male
reader, Hugh.J +, writes (31 May 2011):
Good advice, kc.
A first approach, before the gym, etc. would be to climb a lot of stairs - or steep hills, if you live in a suitable area.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 May 2011): I'm really sorry to hear how unhappy you are, i'm more than twice your age and i've always been interested in preserving what i've got and done whatever i could to do that. Now my 24 yr old daughter is pregnant and i've shared what i know with her about how to keep her shape as much as possible.I'm not sure there are any exercises that can make a huge difference to the overall shape of your breasts, toning up around your shoulders and chest at the gym might help slightly and help to slow down the effects of time, age and gravity by strengthening the muscles around your breasts, but that's a life long commitment to the gym! unfortunately, i don't think there's any magical solution as breasts are very delicate tissue and not muscular.Many, many girls are very unhappy with their shape, its only a few lucky ones who have model breasts and as time goes on many of those lose their shape too from growing older and having babies and not looking after their shape.If you could stand in a room and be able to compare yourself with lots of girls, you'd be suprised by what they hide with a good bra! Buying a good bra is something you should make sure you always do, being larger means that you should be fitted properly with something comfortable and can make all the difference to making your shape look amazing!Taking care of your shape is something that should start from a young age, I've worn a bra day and night since i was 17, I started this out of feeling uncomfortable at night as i'm fairly on the large size too. I think this is the most important thing any woman can do who wants to preserve their shape from the effects of getting older, and even more important when having children! My ex husband never minded me wearing a bra constantly, and my current bf doesnt either, he quite likes the idea of having to peel it off me when we get passionate!Recently, there's been an article about celebs wearing bras 24/7 so that they preserve their shapes and never needing boob jobs! i found that interesting as it's something that i've always done and after 3 kids and breastfeeding i've managed to preserve fairly well what i have.When my 24 yr old daughter recently told me she is pregnant, we had a girly chat about looking after her shape, to always wear a bra 24/7 for the rest of her life!!! or at least permanently from now til the baby's a year old, and always breastfeed sitting upright with lots of pillows for comfort. Lying down on your side etc will stretch breast tissue and in one feed you can end up with lopsided breasts forever! That's all i can say for the future about preserving what you have, and i hope that is helpful in the future.However, i know that doesnt help with how you feel right now about your shape and i really can only suggest approaching a sympathetic female doctor and seeing what she can suggest. She may suggest some form of counselling or something else. I'm loathed to bring up the subject of surgery at your age and it's something i'm not really believing in but I know that breast reductions are available if they are causing you much anxiety or causing some problems physically. If that becomes an option, then perhaps the shape your unhappy about can be adressed too. As for future bf's, if they really like you/love you then they'll love all of you, if not, then they're not worth your time! Concentrate on looking after yourself, show off your good bits and make the best of yourself as you are would be my advice.Take care and good luck
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A
female
reader, k_c100 +, writes (31 May 2011):
Well for the dryness and stretch marks - try moisturising daily. Palmers cocoa butter is good for stretch marks, and if you google stretch mark cream I'm sure there will be plenty of options for you to choose from. Stretch marks do fade (I promise!), they start out as a red/purple colour but fade to a silvery white eventually which is not anywhere near as visible.
As for them being saggy, without surgery there is not a lot you can do I'm afraid. Have you have your bra size measured since you have lost weight? Chances are it will have changed, so get yourself measured (many department stores offer this service as well as independent lingerie shops). Having a well fitting bra will make a massive difference when you are wearing clothes at least.
As for exercise - it is the pectoral muscles that are responsible for the position of the breast (this is the muscle behind the breast). It is often deemed a bit manly to 'work out your pecs' so many women dont bother with these exercises, but these muscles are very important for lifting the breasts! All I can recommend here is that you join a gym and when you have your induction, as the gym instructor/trainer to show you some exercises for your chest. You could have a try at home but without the extensive collection of weights and machines you have at a gym you will struggle to get the same results at home. But make sure you get a good sports bra before you start working out!
And most of all - you dont look like a middle aged woman so stop putting yourself down! You have had some unfortunate sagging of the breasts, but that does not mean the rest of your body and face looks middle aged! The more you put yourself down like this the worse you will feel, so you have to stop this right away! We all have bits of our bodies that are not great, and if the only thing wrong with you is you have slightly saggy boobs well you are doing pretty well!
Dont worry about wearing clothes without a bra, I have 34E breasts and they have been around this size since I was 12, I have not had a day since then when I have been able to put any item of clothing on without a bra. It looks trashy to go bra-less unless you have 32A breasts, so dont worry about trying to get super perky boobs. A well fitting push up bra will work wonders, and make your clothes look so much better than attempting to go bra-less.
Try getting some new bras, joining a gym and some good moisturiser designed for stretch marks. If none of this works (give it at least 3-6 months as it may take a while before you see results) then maybe speak to your parents or doctor about the issue and see what they can offer. Surgery would work but you would be left with some very unsightly scars - a breast lift (rather than augmentation where they increase the size with implants) means the nipple is removed and then put back in a new position, so you end up with a scar around the entire nipple and then running down from the nipple to the underside of the breast where it joins with your ribcage/stomach area. It is not nice and neat like implants where the scar is under your armpit, it is very obvious and wont ever fade fully. And you cant simply have implants either, many women make this mistake when their boobs sag and just get implants rather than a lift, so the implants just end up stretching the skin further and the breasts get worse.
I hope this helps and good luck!
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