When Do Breasts Stop Growing?

Overview

Breasts typically stop growing in the late teens to early twenties. The age at which breasts stop growing varies due to genetics, hormones, nutrition, physical activity, and medications. If you’re concerned about breast size after they’ve stopped growing, there are surgical, non-surgical, and home remedy options available.

What Are the Typical Stages of Breast Development in Women?

Breast development in women is a natural process that occurs in stages that span several years. Here’s an overview of the typical stages of breast development:

Prepubertal Stage: This initial stage occurs before any visible signs of puberty appear. Breasts are flat and the same in both boys and girls.
Breast Bud Stage: Usually starting between the ages of 8 and 13, this is when breast growth begins. Small bumps, known as breast buds, form behind each nipple thus indicating the start of growth.
Continued Growth: Breasts continue to grow and expand. During this stage, the areola begins to darken and enlarge. This phase generally occurs over the next couple of years after the buds appear.
Secondary Mound Stage: The nipples and areola form a secondary mound above the rest of the breast. This stage typically happens in the later teenage years.
Mature Adult Breast: The final stage of breast development is when the breasts reach their adult size and shape. The secondary mound formed by the areola and nipple blends into the contour of the rest of the breast. This stage usually ends by the late teens or early twenties, signalling when breast growth stops.

The age at which breasts stop growing differs from one individual to the next. Several factors influence this timeline including genetics, overall health and nutrition. While some may experience continued growth into their early twenties, others may find that their breast development concludes earlier.

At What Age Do Breasts Stop Growing Naturally?

Breasts typically stop growing naturally at the end of adolescence. The exact age when breasts stop growing varies significantly from one individual to another and is influenced by genetic, nutritional and environmental factors. Generally, most women find that their breast size stabilises by their late teens to early twenties.

Nutrition and overall health impact the development of breast tissue which can potentially affect the size and shape attained at the end of the growth period.

If you’re concerned about breast development and seeking alterations after natural growth has ceased, cosmetic surgery offers options for resizing, reshaping, or enhancing breast appearance. Whether you’re looking for augmentation, reduction or a lift, these procedures can help align your physical appearance with your vision of ‘perfect’ breasts.

Understanding when breasts stop growing provides a foundation for recognising the natural variations in breast size and shape. It promotes a healthy acceptance of your body and helps you make informed decisions about cosmetic surgery.

When Do Breasts Stop Growing? Other Factors to Consider

The following factors influence breast development and determine when they stop growing:

Hormonal Changes: Imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone can halt or alter breast growth. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can disrupt normal hormonal levels thereby impacting breast size and development.
Nutrition and Weight: Malnutrition or rapid weight loss can affect breast size by leading to decreased fat in the breast tissue. On the other hand, significant weight gain might cause breasts to appear larger but does not affect the actual breast tissue growth.
Genetics: Genetics play a huge role in the size and shape of breasts. For instance, if your female relatives have smaller breasts, genetic predisposition will likely influence similar breast development in you.
Physical Activity: High-intensity physical activity, especially in young athletes, can sometimes delay puberty and, consequently, breast growth. This is often due to lower body fat percentages and intense physical stress on the body.
Health Conditions and Medications: Certain health conditions and medications can impact hormonal balance thus affecting breast development as well. For instance, treatments for conditions like endometriosis, which often involve hormonal manipulation, can potentially affect breast size.

It's important to recognise that breast growth can be affected by a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors that can extend beyond the natural timeline of puberty.

How Can You Tell When Your Breasts Stop Growing?

You can tell your breasts have stopped growing if, despite being in your late teens or early twenties, you notice no change in size for a considerable period. This stability in size is a strong indication that your breasts have completed their natural development phase thereby setting a foundation for any cosmetic procedures you might be considering.

However, it’s important to consult with a professional before committing to breast alteration procedures. At Cadogan Clinic, our team of expert plastic surgeons can provide customised advice to you based on your body’s development and your aesthetic goals.

What Options Do You Have to Adjust Your Breast Size When They Have Stopped Growing?

Once your breasts have stopped growing, there are several options you can explore to adjust their size, from home remedies to more definitive solutions.

Home Remedies: Dietary changes and supplements that promote skin elasticity and hormonal balance can have a subtle impact on breast size. Meanwhile, certain exercises like pushups and chest presses can enhance the chest muscles beneath the breasts, creating a firmer appearance and feel.
Non-Invasive Options: Options like hormone therapy or vacuum bras can subtly enhance breast size. Additionally, specialised bras and inserts are a non-permanent solution for altering the appearance of breast size day-to-day.
Invasive Procedures: Surgical options such as breast augmentation, reconstruction and lifts provide a permanent and drastic adjustment to breast size. Augmentation uses implants or fat transfer to increase size while reconstruction can enhance breast volume and correct breast asymmetry. Lifts, on the other hand, offer a perkier appearance to breasts. In cases where you have large breasts after puberty that are causing functional issues, a reduction surgery can be considered.

What Are the Best Surgical Options for Adjusting Breast Size When They Have Stopped Growing?

When boobs have stopped growing and there's a desire for size adjustment, several surgical options stand out for their effectiveness and popularity. These procedures offer customised solutions to meet your individual needs and ensure long-lasting results.

Breast Augmentation: Using implants (silicone or saline) or fat transfer techniques, augmentation enhances breast volume and shape thereby providing a more proportionate figure. Your surgeon will help you understand whether implants or fat transfer is the ideal augmentation route for you.
Breast Reduction: For those experiencing physical discomfort or aesthetic concerns due to heavy breasts, reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin. This procedure not only achieves a more comfortable breast size but also addresses physical issues like back and shoulder pain.
Breast Lift: A breast lift addresses sagging and loss of shape without significantly changing the size. By removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue, the boobs are given a perkier appearance. This surgery is particularly beneficial when addressing tuberous breasts.
Revision Breast Surgery: For individuals who have previously undergone breast surgeries and seek adjustments due to changes over time or dissatisfaction with the initial results, revision surgery is the recommended next step. This surgery can involve implant replacement to address complications caused by implants in a prior surgery.

Each of these surgeries requires a thorough consultation with a certified plastic surgeon, such as the ones comprising our team at Cadogan Clinic.

FAQs

When do breasts stop growing during puberty?

Boobs typically stop growing towards the end of puberty, usually by the late teens to early twenties. The exact time at which growth stops can vary greatly among individuals due to differences in genetics.

When do breasts stop growing during pregnancy?

Breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy due to hormonal changes and preparation for breastfeeding. Growth is often noticed early in pregnancy with some women experiencing changes in size up until childbirth and even during breastfeeding.

When do breasts stop growing for women?

Boobs stop growing in the late teens to early twenties. However, this can be sooner or later for people as it largely depends on your genetics.

Do your breasts stop growing when you get your period?

Boobs do not stop growing immediately when you get your period. Breast development can continue for several years after menstruation begins, usually concluding by the late teens to early twenties, as part of the overall puberty process.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Breast Surgery

Breast Enlargement

Breast enlargement and augmentation aims to cosmetically enhance the size and shape of your breasts.

Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer to Breast

Fat transfer for breasts allows for natural breast enlargement by using your own fat stores.

Breast Surgery

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift helps to lift sagging or low-hanging breasts for a more youthful appearance.

Breast Surgery

Breast Reduction