What is pendulous breast?

A pendulous breast, also known as a sagging or relaxed breast, typically refers to breasts with thin or loose breast tissue, which causes the breast to have a softer shape that’s longer than it is wide. Nipples may also point downward, and you might notice sagging when not wearing a bra.

Breasts are made of ligaments and connective tissue — not muscle. While some sagging is genetic, a portion of ptosis can occur from excessive bounce and stretch. Over time, stretching of the skin can lengthen Cooper’s ligaments (the fibers that anchor breasts to the chest wall). When those ligaments lose their elasticity, you’re left with a sagging effect.