Smoking Can Cause Breast Sagging in Women and Girls, Experts Warn

Breast sagging among women and girls remains a sensitive topic that is often surrounded by myths and misinformation, especially in many African societies. In Rwanda, some people still believe that breasts can sag due to frequent touching, a claim not supported by science.

Like other parts of the human body, women’s breasts naturally undergo changes throughout life. These changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and aging.

What Causes Breast Sagging?

Several scientific studies show that breast sagging, medically known as breast ptosis, occurs when the skin and supportive tissues lose their strength and elasticity. As a result, breasts gradually lose firmness and begin to droop.

A study titled “Breast Ptosis: Causes and Cure,” published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, identifies multiple factors linked to breast sagging. These include aging, body weight, pregnancy, and childbirth.

The research also notes that women with larger breasts, those who experience frequent weight changes, and those who have multiple pregnancies face a higher risk of breast sagging.

Smoking Accelerates Skin Aging

One lesser-known but significant cause of breast sagging is smoking. Health experts explain that tobacco accelerates skin aging by reducing collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin strength and elasticity.

When the skin weakens, it loses its ability to support breast tissue effectively, leading to premature sagging.

Experts warn that smoking does not only affect the lungs and heart but also causes visible changes to the skin, including wrinkles and loss of firmness in sensitive areas such as the breasts.

Breastfeeding Is Not the Main Cause

Contrary to widespread belief, breastfeeding is not a major cause of breast sagging.

A study conducted in the United States titled “The Effect of Breastfeeding on Breast Aesthetics” found that breastfeeding itself does not significantly affect breast shape. Instead, the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and a woman’s natural body structure play a much larger role.

Researchers emphasize that the stretching of breast tissue happens mainly during pregnancy, not during breastfeeding.

Can Breast Sagging Be Prevented?

Health experts say breast sagging is a natural process and cannot always be completely prevented. However, certain lifestyle choices can help slow it down.

Avoiding smoking is one of the most effective ways to protect skin elasticity. Regular upper-body exercises can also strengthen chest muscles, making breasts appear firmer and more lifted.

Maintaining a stable body weight is equally important, as repeated weight gain and loss stretches the skin. Wearing a supportive bra, especially during physical activity, helps reduce strain on breast tissue.

Debunking a Common Myth

Medical experts clearly state that touching breasts does not cause sagging. There is no scientific evidence linking physical contact to the loss of breast firmness.

They urge the public to rely on verified medical information rather than myths that continue to circulate in some communities.