Do you want to restore the volume and shape of your breasts? Our specialists in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in Zurich will advise you on breast lifts, breast augmentations or combined procedures – for a harmonious, natural result.
Breast changes due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss
Prof. Dr. med. Hisham Fansa
•
April 3, 2026
A woman's breasts change throughout her life – sometimes gradually, sometimes very noticeably. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, as well as the natural aging process and menopause can affect the shape, volume, and firmness of the breasts. Many women find these changes distressing, especially when their breasts no longer reflect their body image. But what options are available, and when is surgery advisable? We spoke with Prof. Dr. med. Hisham Fansa, Chief Physician and Head of Plastic Surgery Zurich, spoke about causes and treatment options.
Why the breast changes over the course of a lifetime
The breast consists of glandular tissue, fatty tissue, and connective tissue. The connective tissue structure is particularly crucial – it provides support to the breast.
With increasing age
- collagen production decreases,
- The skin loses elasticity,
- The glandular tissue is partially replaced by fatty tissue and
- Furthermore, gravity pulls the breasts downwards. The larger the breasts, the greater this effect.
After pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is common to experience...
- Volume loss
- Skin overstretching and
- Sagging of the entire breast, but also often of the nipple position.
After significant weight loss, the breasts often lose fullness and firmness. The skin cannot always fully adapt to the new, smaller volume.
“Many patients underestimate how much pregnancy or weight loss can affect tissue structure. Often it’s less a volume problem than a skin and tension problem.” Prof. Fansa
When is a breast lift advisable?
A Breast lift (mastopexy) is an option if:
- the breasts have clearly sunk, i.e., are ptotic,
- the nipple lies below the inframammary fold,
- excess skin is present
- The breast shape is perceived as empty or sagging.
During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, the breast is reshaped, and the nipple is positioned anatomically correctly.
“Many patients feel they have lost a part of their former body image after pregnancy or weight loss. Our goal is to restore this harmony – with a result that looks and feels natural.” Prof. Fansa
Breast augmentation or lift – what is the difference?
Not every sagging breast automatically needs implants.
- Breast lift (mastopexy): Shape correction without necessarily increasing volume
- Breast augmentation with implants (implant augmentation): Volume augmentation using silicone implants
- Breast augmentation with autologous fat transfer (lipofilling of the breast): moderate volume increase using the body's own tissue
- Combination of tightening and enlargement (augmentation mastopexy): This procedure is suitable when the breasts have sagged and there is excess skin, but they also lack volume. The lift corrects the shape, and the implant restores the volume. The advantage: an oversized implant is not needed, so the breasts retain a natural appearance.
The choice of technique depends on skin quality, tissue structure, individual preference and the patient's initial anatomical situation.
"Every breast is unique – and the treatment should be just as individual. Not every sagging breast automatically needs an implant. In many cases, a precise lift is sufficient to restore shape and projection. We would be happy to advise you individually during an initial consultation." Prof. Fansa
naturalness in focus
Modern breast surgery pursues one clear goal: natural results. Oversized implants or disproportionate changes are no longer standard practice in contemporary aesthetic surgery.
"A good result is not measured by size, but by harmony. We take skin quality, tissue structure, and proportions into account to achieve a long-lasting, stable, and natural-looking result." Prof. Fansa
Breast changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or as part of the aging process are completely normal. However, women don't have to simply accept these changes if they don't want them and are suffering because of them. Modern breast surgery now offers sophisticated, individually tailored solutions – from breast lifts and volume enhancement to combined procedures. Crucial to success are thorough consultation and realistic expectations.
Naturalness & individual consultation
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