Understanding and Enhancing Low Set Breasts: Shape, Bras, Lifts & More

Understanding and Enhancing Low Set Breasts: Shape, Bras, Lifts & More
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Understanding Low Set Breasts

For many women, the shape and position of their breasts is a key part of their body image and self-esteem. If your breasts are set low on your chest, rather than being positioned higher up, you may feel self-conscious about their appearance.

However, there are some advantages to having low set breasts that are worth considering. With the right bras and clothing choices, you can enhance your bustline and feel confident and sexy.

What Are Low Set Breasts?

Breasts are described as "low set" when the bottom crease of the breast sits lower on the chest wall, with more breast tissue below the nipple. This gives the breast a droopy or saggy appearance.

It's the opposite of high set breasts, where the base of the breast and nipple starts higher up on the chest. Women with this breast type often have a perkier, fuller shape above the nipple.

Low set breasts typically look more spread out and flattened across the chest. The nipples also point downward or angled outward. There's usually more space between the breasts as well.

What Causes Low Set Breasts?

There are a few different factors that can cause breasts to be positioned lower on the chest:

  • Genetics - Your natural breast shape is largely determined by genetics. So if your mother or sisters have low set breasts, you likely inherited that trait.
  • Breast density - Breasts that are made up of more fatty tissue and less glandular tissue are more likely to be low set and droopy.
  • Breast size - The heavier weight of large, pendulous breasts pulls the breast lower on the chest over time due to gravity.
  • Age - As breasts lose elasticity and firmness with age, the nipple and areola can start to descend and sag downwards.
  • Weight changes - Gaining and losing weight can impact breast shape. Significant weight loss often leaves breasts low set and deflated looking.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding - The changes breasts go through during pregnancy and breastfeeding may leave them low set afterwards.

The Pros of Low Set Breasts

While you may wish your breasts sat higher, having a low set bust does come with some advantages:

  • Comfort - Low set breasts tend to be more comfortable and put less strain on the shoulders and back than very large, high set breasts.
  • Freedom of movement - You likely don't have to wear overly restrictive bras for support and coverage like some women with ample, perky busts.
  • Cleavage - Low set breasts can create sexy cleavage in low cut tops as breast tissue spills from the sides.
  • Nursing - If you choose to have children, low set breasts can make nursing easier as they are readily accessible.
  • Proportional - On a petite frame, low set breasts that are proportionate to your body size can look elegant and graceful.

Tips for Flattering Low Set Breasts

You don't have to settle for ill-fitting tops or try to hoist your breasts up unnaturally. Follow these style tips to accentuate what you've got:

  • Opt for plunge styles to show off your cleavage in a sexy, subtle way.
  • Try push-up and lightly padded bras to add lift and volume.
  • Look for wide set straps and underwire to support and center your breasts.
  • Choose V-neck and wrap tops to draw the eye upwards.
  • Wear bold necklaces that rest on your chest to highlight your décolletage.
  • Avoid excessive padding or rigid cups that create gaps.
  • Steer clear of high necklines that flatten your bust.
  • Stay away from boxy tops with no shape that conceal your curves.

The Best Bras for Low Set Breasts

Finding a bra with the right construction for your breast placement is key for both comfort and an enhanced shape.

Look for these bra features to lift low set breasts up and in:

  • Underwire for support and definition.
  • Contoured, molded cups to add lift.
  • Padded lower cups to fill out the breast.
  • Side panels to center and contain breast tissue.
  • Front closure styles that pull the breasts upward.
  • Straps set wide apart to raise breasts.
  • U or V shaped backs that open the shoulders.

Some top bra brands for low set shapes include:

  • Natori - Feathers Underwire
  • Wacoal - Basic Beauty Underwire
  • ThirdLove - 24/7 Classic Contour Plunge
  • Le Mystere - Dream Tisha Lace Bra
  • Fantasie - Rebecca Spacer Bra

Enhancing Your Low Set Breasts

If you're still not happy with the look of your low set breasts, there are a few enhancement options to consider.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, can reshape saggy, low set breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the breasts higher on the chest. The nipple and areola are also moved up to a more youthful position.

However, a lift alone may leave breasts smaller and deflated looking. Many women opt to have implants placed at the same time to increase fullness and improve cleavage.

Breast Augmentation

Breast implants are another option for enhancing low set breasts. Implants can add volume to deflated breasts and help fill out the upper pole.

A round or contoured implant shape helps build fullness for the tear-drop breast shape typical of low set busts. Placement under or slightly above the muscle also lifts the breast position.

Breast Reduction

For women with very heavy, pendulous breasts, a reduction can remove excess tissue and fat to lift the breasts. This relieves symptoms like shoulder grooves, neck and back pain.

During a reduction, the nipple is repositioned at a higher level on the breast. The breast is then reshaped and lifted using techniques similar to a mastopexy.

Push Up Bra

For those not ready for surgery, push up bras temporarily enhance the look of low set breasts. Underwire lifts from below while padded cups and angled formations create lift.

Just be aware that constant wear may weaken breast ligaments over time. Give your breasts a break once in awhile from push up styles.

Embracing Your Breast Shape

Rather than constantly comparing yourself to others, learn to embrace your body as it is. Low set breasts are just as feminine, sexy and capable of nourishing a child as any other shape.

The right lingerie choices go a long way towards enhancing your bustline. But true confidence comes from within.

Focus on keeping your breasts healthy through self-exams and mammograms. Let go of feelings of inadequacy. Accept and celebrate your unique beauty.

Your sense of self-worth and how you carry yourself matters far more than the positioning of your breasts. Walk tall and be proud of the body you have!

FAQs

What causes breasts to be low set?

Genetics, breast density, size, age, weight changes, and pregnancy/breastfeeding can all contribute to breasts being positioned lower on the chest wall.

Do low set breasts make nursing harder?

Actually, low set breasts can make nursing easier since they are readily accessible to a baby. The ability to breastfeed has more to do with nipple shape and elasticity.

Can I wear a push up bra every day?

It's best to avoid push up bras daily as constant wear may damage breast ligaments over time. Give your breasts a break from push up styles periodically.

Is a breast lift better than implants?

Many women choose to have a lift and implants together. A lift repositions the breasts but can leave them smaller. Implants add volume for cleavage and fullness.

What is the recovery for a breast reduction?

Recovery takes up to 6 weeks with limitations on activity and exercise. There will be swelling, bruising, and numbness that fades over several weeks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

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