Does wearing a small sports bra cause breast sagging?

Question

I realised I bought the wrong size for my sports bra and I don't want to waste it so I will probably use it for lower impact workouts however I'm not too sure if wearing a smaller sized sports bra will cause breasts to sag and have stretch marks? Hope you can help thanks!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After breast augmentation I find no particular advantage to the use of surgical bras. In fact, I find that they can do more harm than good. They hold the implants too high, preventing them from dropping into position. In addition, they can put pressure on the healing breast or the wound. They provide no advantage. If the surgery was performed correctly, external appliances after surgery are unnecessary to achieve the appropriate final implant position. At one month we allow the patients to wear a soft cup bra with no underwire. At two months, they can wear any bra with a wire without push up. Before three months it is not wise to buy a whole new set of bras. By six months, the bra size is not going to change. You need to try bras on. Being measured is almost never productive and almost always oversizes. Find the ones that you like the way they fit.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Wearing a smaller sports bra shouldn't cause sagging or stretch marks to your breasts.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear xoxochristie,
smaller bra should have no effect on breasts sagging. In most cases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations can cause sagging. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question.  Wearing a smaller-sized sports bra does not cause sagging nor stretch marks around your breasts.  However, you should be wearing one that is better fitting for overall comfort.
All the best.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello! Wearing a smaller sized sports bra will not cause your breasts to change (sag stretch etc). Other than being uncomfortable for you it will not change the appearance of your breasts. Best of luck.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Wearing a small-size sports bra should not cause any sagging. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The two main circumstances that could make your breast sag would be significant weight change and the milk of pregnancy, not the bra. With pregnancy the milk could stretch your skin and possibly cause some loss of its elasticity. After the milk disappears, if the skin does not retract then some sag could be expected. Big weight change could do a similar thing.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question and photos.
The use of a small sports bra will not cause sagging of the breasts.  Rather, this happens as a result of a combination of factors including genetics, breast feeding and gravity. 
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over your options. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The correct sports bra will help minimize bouncing of your breasts when you are exercising. Going without a bra, or wearing one that is too loose will let you bounce. Over time, this will encourage sagging. The biggest risk to sagging, however, is pregnancy and breast feeding because of the increase and then decrease in size.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Wearing a sports bra that is too small will not cause sagging nor stretch marks.  It should have no impact on your breasts at all other than it being potentially uncomfortable.