How do natural boobs change as we age? Ask The Expert

How do natural boobs change as we age?

All parts of our bodies continue to see changes throughout our lives and breasts are no exception. Natural boobs see changes to their appearance and feel as we continue to age. The tissue and structure of natural boobs change due to changes in the levels of reproductive hormones. This can see boobs losing their fullness and becoming less firm. The ageing process also sees natural boobs see an increased risk in developing growths such as fibroids, cysts, and cancer. It remains a priority to examine your breasts and to be aware of any changes that may need medical attention.

The majority of changes to boobs happen when women are going through menopause. The average ages for this are between 45 and 55. This sees the amount of oestrogen being produced decrease and this means that the skin becomes less hydrated. The skin loses its elasticity and the breasts begin to lose their firmness and fullness. The dense breast tissue deteriorates and is replaced with more fatty tissue in its place. It is common for women to change their cup size as these changes take place during the ageing process.

Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Breast enlargement surgery, or breast implants or augmentation, is one of our most regularly performed procedures at…

What are natural boobs and how do they change as we age?

When referring to natural boobs, what is commonly meant is boobs that have not undergone any surgery. When women have undergone any boob augmentation there will be changes to how ageing affects them. Some of the key physical changes to boobs as we age include:

The appearance of stretch marks
The nipples begin to point downwards
The boobs appear elongated or flattened
The space between boobs increases
They develop a lumpy feel to them

As we have seen, the major factor behind all these changes is a drop in levels of oestrogen. This reproductive hormone is responsible for stimulating the growth of breast tissue. Lower levels of oestrogen see this stimulation drop and the mammary glands shrink in size. As the density of breast tissue reduces it tends to be replaced by fat. It is this that causes boobs to lose their firmness and to appear less full than they had done previously. These changes can cause boobs to look smaller and to sag. Whilst all of these changes are normal and part of the ageing process, for many women it is not something that they want to accept. It is often that this is the first time in a woman’s life that she may start to consider boob enhancement.

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

Welcome to Sloane Street

Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

Get in Touch

How can fat transfer to boobs restore natural-looking boobs?

Fat transfer to boobs is sometimes referred to as a natural boob job. This is because rather than using implants to change their appearance you are actually using fat from your own body. Also known as fat grafting, this procedure sees fat being harvested from elsewhere on your body. Liposuction is used and typically the fat is taken from your waist, buttocks, or thighs. The fat is then transferred to your boobs and has the effect of increasing their volume.

For women with natural boobs who are experiencing any of the changes associated with ageing, fat transfer to boobs can be the ideal solution. Unlike when breast implants are used, this process is not for significantly increasing the size of your boobs. Instead, the aim is to refine the shape and size and to give your breasts a subtle boost. A further benefit of fat transfer to boobs is that there is not the same issue with scarring that is expected when implants are used. With this process, rather than incisions being made, the fat is injected into your breasts.

What is a boob augmentation or boob enhancement, and how is this different?

Boob augmentation is a general term that refers to any cosmetic procedure that increases the size of the breasts. This may be achieved by using silicone implants or by using fat transfer to boobs. The result of boob augmentation is boobs that have an increase in size and so appear larger and fuller. What this procedure does not assist with is one of the most common issues that come with ageing: breasts that begin to sag.

Boob enhancement includes procedures such as a boob lift. Rather than focusing on increasing the size, as the name suggests, the boobs are lifted and are also reshaped. This is an ideal solution for women who are experiencing any sagging. Often with the ageing process, there is more than one issue that a woman would like to put right. As well as sagging it is likely that a woman will lose the fullness and firmness in her breasts. This means that is worth looking at combining boob augmentation and boob enhancement so that all of these issues can be resolved and so that women can regain confidence in the appearance of their breasts.

Words from our clients:

"I was extremely satisfied with the care and treatment I received at the Cadogan Clinic. My surgeon was friendly and informative and explained the procedure fully. My procedure went very well and with the excellent care of the nursing staff, I made a speedy and full recovery. Would recommend to anyone."

Eva Berry

"At the beginning before the operation the nurse taking care of me made me feel so comfortable. The surgeon and anesthetist helped me feel so calm. Fantastic before and after treatment"

Scarlett Elliott

"The girls on the reception at the clinic were very pleasant and professional. The nurse who took out my stitches after my surgery was just lovely and took me through step by step what she was doing and she also recommended a great cream to use to help with healing."

Georgina Nolan

“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."

Courtney O'Sullivan

"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."

Gemma Stevenson

"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."

Emma Davies

Is there such thing as boob fillers?

It is common for derma fillers to be used to address wrinkles on the face or to add plumpness to the lips. When it comes to boob fillers, the same filler used for lips can have an impact on breast size. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies and when boob fillers are used it is this substance that is injected into the breast. The result is an increase in breast size but the results are not permanent.

We do not perform this treatment at the Cadogan Clinic. Generally, the results from boob fillers can only be seen for a matter of months and such large quantities of filler would be required that other treatments are so much more effective. After a few months your body begins to naturally reabsorb the filler. To maintain the results that you had it is then necessary to have your treatment repeated. For an increase in breast size that is longer-term, it is worth considering fat transfer to boobs as an alternative. A consultation with a specialist is the best way to find out more about how the issues caused to breasts by ageing can be rectified. At times the best results are not achieved through one procedure and a combination may be necessary.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Natural breast augmentation (enlargement) is an effective alternative to traditional breast implants. Using fat-transfer techniques, the breasts can be enhanced without the use of foreign implant materials.

View Treatment

Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer to Breast

Natural breast augmentation (enlargement) is an effective alternative to traditional breast implants. Using fat-transfer techniques, the breasts…

Breast Surgery

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Female breast size is determined by several factors, including genetics, body weight and hormonal influences.

View Treatment

Breast enlargement surgery, or breast implants or augmentation, is one of our most regularly performed procedures at the Cadogan Clinic and our surgeons are leading experts in this field.

View Treatment

Breast Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Breast enlargement surgery, or breast implants or augmentation, is one of our most regularly performed procedures at the Cadogan Clinic and our…

Get in touch

One of our friendly staff will be delighted to help with your enquiry.

0207 901 8500

Or send us an enquiry

Meet Ellie

Our Lead Patient Advisor is here to support with any queries you may have