10/30/07
According to Brian Rinker, MD, a plastic surgeon at the University of Kentucky, breastfeeding doesnโt cause breast sagging.
"Expectant mothers should be reassured that breastfeeding does not appear to have an adverse effect upon breast appearance," says Rinker.
Rinker and his colleagues interviewed 132 women who were seeking breast augmentation or a surgical lift for sagging breasts. The women were 39 years old, on average. The majorityโ93 patientsโhad had at least one pregnancy. Most of the momsโ58%โhad breastfed at least one child.
Rinkerโs team noted the womenโs medical history, body mass index, pre-pregnancy bra cup size, and smoking status.
"Breastfeeding does not adversely affect breast shape, beyond the effects of pregnancy alone," says Rinker.
However, the researchers note other factors that are linked to breast sagging:
โข older age;
โข cigarette smoking;
โข larger pre-pregnancy bra cup size; and
โข greater number of pregnancies.
Age and cigarette smoking hamper skinโs elasticity, note the researchers.
[www.cbsnews.com, October 29, 2007]