Saggy breasts — technically known as breast ptosis — are more than just a cosmetic concern. For many women, changes in breast shape, volume and position can impact self-esteem, clothing choices, and overall comfort. Whether it's from aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics, sagging is common — and treatable.

Dr. Michael Baumholtz, a dual-board-certified Plastic Surgeon in San Antonio, TX, understands the emotional and physical weight this issue can carry. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he helps women reclaim their confidence through safe, customized surgical solutions designed with both health and aesthetics in mind.

What Causes Breasts to Sag?

Breasts naturally change over time. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and the ligaments that support breast tissue weaken, causing the breasts to droop. Pregnancy and breastfeeding add additional strain, stretching the skin and internal structures as the breasts swell and deflate. Repeated weight gain and loss can also compromise the skin’s integrity, leading to loss of firmness and contour. Genetics play a role too — some women are more prone to sagging due to inherited tissue composition or body type. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, which reduces skin elasticity, and inadequate breast support during exercise can also accelerate the process. Though entirely normal, these changes can be emotionally and physically taxing.

When Is It Time to Consider a Breast Lift?

Many women start to consider a breast lift when they no longer feel comfortable or confident in their bodies. If your nipples begin to point downward or fall below the breast crease, it may indicate that the structural support of your breast has diminished. Breasts that feel empty or deflated, especially after breastfeeding or weight loss, may also suggest a need for surgical intervention. When bras and clothing no longer fit as they once did, or when you find yourself avoiding certain outfits, the dissatisfaction can deepen. Perhaps most telling is how you feel emotionally — when you avoid mirrors, feel embarrassed during intimacy, or wish your body looked different, it’s worth discussing your options. Dr. Michael Baumholtz emphasizes that readiness for surgery is a personal decision, guided by your comfort, confidence, and goals.

Dr. Michael Baumholtz’s Approach to Lifting Saggy Breasts

In San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Michael Baumholtz offers a thoughtful, individualized approach to breast rejuvenation. As a Plastic Surgeon with dual-board certification, he combines technical skill with compassionate care. His approach is rooted in listening to each patient's goals and concerns, then crafting a surgical plan that aligns both medically and aesthetically.

Using state-of-the-art VECTRA 3D imaging, Dr. Baumholtz can simulate potential outcomes and help you envision what’s possible determining the need for implants. This technology allows for a transparent conversation and creates shared expectations. Whether addressing moderate sagging or more complex cases, his mantra is simple but effective: What you want + what I can deliver = success.

Your Surgical Options

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is the cornerstone procedure for correcting sagging. It involves removing excess skin, tightening the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple to a higher, more youthful location. For women with moderate to severe sagging but adequate breast volume, this procedure reshapes the existing tissue to restore a firmer, perkier contour. Different incision patterns — periareolar (around the areola), vertical (lollipop), or inverted-T (anchor) — are chosen based on your unique anatomy and degree of sagging. The goal is a lifted, natural look that harmonizes with your body proportions.

Breast Lift with Implants

When sagging is paired with a loss of volume — particularly in the upper portion of the breast — implants can be combined with a lift. This technique not only repositions the breast but also restores fullness and improves overall shape. Dr. Baumholtz works closely with patients to choose from trusted brands like Allergan and Motiva, customizing implant type, size, and placement. With the help of VECTRA 3D imaging, you can see a preview of potential outcomes and make informed choices. This option is especially appealing to women post-pregnancy or post-weight loss who want to rejuvenate both position and volume in a single surgery.

Fat Transfer

Fat grafting is a more subtle option for women seeking natural, small volume enhancement without implants. Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purified, and then strategically injected into the breast. It’s an ideal choice for correcting asymmetry, enhancing cleavage, or refining contours after a lift. While it can’t replace the need for a full mastopexy in cases of significant sagging, it’s a beautiful complement for those seeking nuanced improvement using their own tissue.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery

The journey starts with a thorough consultation. Dr. Baumholtz will take time to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. VECTRA imaging is used to simulate results, and you’ll discuss the surgical plan in detail, including incision choices and expected recovery.

On surgery day, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Depending on the complexity and whether additional techniques like implants or mesh are used, surgery typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours. Dr. Baumholtz applies careful technique to ensure clean incisions, minimize blood loss, and preserve nerve and vascular structures.

Recovery is gradual but manageable. Most women return to work and light activity within 1–2 weeks, although high-impact movement and heavy lifting are restricted for at least 6 weeks. A supportive surgical bra will help reduce swelling and maintain shape during healing. Over the following months, swelling subsides, scars fade, and the final breast shape takes form. Regular check-ins with Dr. Baumholtz ensure that healing is on track and questions are promptly addressed.

The Emotional and Practical Benefits

Breast lift surgery isn’t just about changing appearance — it’s about reclaiming your sense of self. Women often speak about feeling “like themselves again” after surgery. A perkier, more proportionate bustline can restore confidence in clothing, intimacy, and public spaces. It also offers practical benefits — reduced skin irritation under the breasts, better posture, and improved support from bras. Emotionally, patients often report a renewed sense of control and pride in their bodies, describing the experience as liberating and life-affirming.

Why Choose Dr. Michael Baumholtz in San Antonio, TX?

Dr. Baumholtz stands out not just for his qualifications but for his integrity and patient relationships. As a dual-board-certified Plastic Surgeon, he brings a depth of expertise to both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. He is known throughout San Antonio for his skill in both initial and revision procedures, often managing complex or challenging cases referred from other practices.

He provides direct access to patients before and after surgery — no layers of staff or rushed appointments. His use of technology like VECTRA 3D assists communication and visualization, while his compassionate demeanor builds trust. At every step, you’ll receive honest guidance, evidence-based care, and support that continues long after your procedure is complete.

Dr. Baumholtz believes that informed patients make confident decisions. He takes the time to explain procedures in plain language, answer questions thoroughly, and offer resources that help you understand your options. Whether you’re exploring cosmetic surgery for the first time or considering a revision, he wants you to feel empowered — not pressured — every step of the way. This commitment to education isn’t a marketing point; it’s a cornerstone of how he practices medicine.

FAQs About How to Lift Saggy Breasts

Can breast sagging return after a lift procedure?

• Yes, while a breast lift offers long-term improvement, natural aging, gravity, and future weight changes can lead to some recurrence of sagging over time. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help preserve results. However, the number 1 indicator for whether you will need another lift in the future is the fact that you needed one in the first place.

Will I lose nipple sensation after breast lift surgery?

• Loss of nipple sensation is uncommon but possible. Most patients either maintain normal sensation or experience only temporary changes, but for a small proportion — approximately 5% — the loss of sensation is permanent. Temporary changes, such as numbness or heightened sensitivity, are more common and usually resolve within a few months. Dr. Baumholtz uses techniques designed to preserve nerves and minimize risk, especially when repositioning the nipple.

Can I breastfeed after having a breast lift?

• Some women may retain the ability to breastfeed (approximately 60%), but it's not guaranteed. If future breastfeeding is a priority, it’s important to discuss this during your consultation. Remember only about 80% of women who haven’t had surgery are able to successfully breastfeed.

How soon after pregnancy or breastfeeding can I consider surgery?

• It’s generally recommended to wait at least 6 months after breastfeeding has stopped and your weight has stabilized. This allows your breast tissue and hormone levels to return to baseline.

Are results from fat transfer as permanent as implants?

• Fat transfer results are partially permanent. Some fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body within the first few months. What remains after this period typically stays, assuming your weight remains stable. Stable weight equals stable results.

Will my scars be very noticeable?

• Scars are an inevitable part of breast lift surgery, but Dr. Baumholtz uses precise techniques to keep them as discreet as possible. He also implements a Post Op Scar Program. Over time, scars fade and can often be concealed under clothing and swimwear.

Is there a difference between sagging and just having naturally low-set breasts?

• Yes, some women naturally have lower-set breasts without sagging. True sagging involves the downward movement of the nipple and glandular tissue below the breast crease. A consultation with Dr. Baumholtz can help clarify your anatomy and whether a lift is appropriate.

Ready to Lift the Weight Off Your Shoulders?

If saggy breasts are holding you back, know that you're not alone — and you have options. With thoughtful guidance and world-class care, Dr. Michael Baumholtz, a trusted Plastic Surgeon in San Antonio, TX, is here to help you make an informed, empowered decision.

To explore what’s possible, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Baumholtz today. Your journey to renewed confidence could begin now.

Visit the website to learn more.

Further Reading

Medical References

"What to Know About Sagging Breasts" – WebMD (educational medical resource)
Explains causes, degrees, and treatment options for breast ptosis, including non-surgical support and surgical breast lifts.
https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-about-sagging-breasts