What Is Breast Ptosis?

Posted on February 16, 2021

Plastic surgeons assess the degree of ptosis, or sagging, when planning your breast lift, the proven solution for reclaiming a perky, youthful breast profile. Here, skilled South Florida plastic surgeons Dr. David Rankin, Dr. Dev Vibhakar and Dr. Adam Bauermeister discuss ptosis, the causes of sagging, and the popular breast lift procedure.

Shape, Elevation, Degree

To determine the degree of breast droopiness, plastic surgeons look at the position of the nipple relative to the fold or crease at the base of the breast. With Grade 1 ptosis, the nipple and crease are at the same level. In Grade 2 cases, the nipple has dropped below the crease, but it is still higher than the breast gland area that projects over the fold. In Grade 3 ptosis, the nipple is the lowest part of the breast.

Breast lift is effective at reversing each type of sagging. By elevating the breasts on the chest, the procedure recreates the upper body profile you remember from your younger years, or before pregnancy. Breast lift can also help restore symmetry, when ligaments have relaxed to a greater extent in one breast compared to the other. In addition, the procedure can return low or downward-pointing nipples to a natural position and appearance.

Causes of Sagging

Sagging can occur as a result of pregnancy, changes in weight or simply the passage of time. Breastfeeding does not contribute to sagging of breasts, but it can seem that way when drooping appears once breastfeeding has stopped. In reality, it is the entire process of pregnancy that puts strain on the breasts. During this time, breasts naturally swell to a larger size. When this happens, the skin stretches. Once your infant is no longer breastfeeding, the milk-producing gland shrinks and the breasts return to their usual size. But because the skin may not be flexible enough to shrink back to a correspondingly smaller size, sagging can result.

After breast lift, you can expect long-term improvement in the appearance of your breasts. Dramatic changes in weight or a new pregnancy may result in a recurrence of sagging, however. The smaller the breast, the more likely it is that you will retain the shape, elevation and projection you achieved with breast lift. If in the future you find that your breasts have begun to sag, there is no risk to repeating the procedure.  

To find out more about breast lift, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or our Miami office at (305) 918-1750.