Breast Ptosis Surgery
Many women experience breast ptosis or saggy breasts as they get older. Other factors associated with breast ptosis include weight loss, pregnancy and hormonal changes. Breast ptosis is a common condition plastic surgeons treat to help reverse sagging and create a more youthful breast shape.
What Is Breast Ptosis?
The female breast is primarily composed of adipose tissue, or fat cells, in addition to glandular tissue and ligaments. This tissue extends from the collarbone to the underarm and across the center of the ribcage. The breast tissue would contain more adipose or fatty tissue as a woman ages, especially after menopause.
Breast ptosis is the medical term for breasts that appear to be sagging or drooping. It results from factors like skin stretching, weakened supporting structures and changes in breast volume. The degree of sagging determines the type of ptosis. The following series of breast ptosis grades, called Regnault classification, assess the severity of sagging by the position of the nipple in relation to the fold of the breast:
- Grade 1 (mild ptosis): Slight sagging below the breast crease
- Grade 2 (moderate ptosis): The nipples fall further below the breast crease but remain above some lower breast tissue
- Grade 3 (severe ptosis): The nipples are well below the breast crease and lower breast tissue
Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, is a medical procedure that raises the breasts by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue and reducing the size of the areola to give the breasts a firmer, rounder and lifted look.
Is Breast Ptosis Normal?
The female breasts change and develop through the course of a woman’s life. It is natural for the ligaments and skin in the breasts to stretch out and become weaker and less elastic, causing the breasts to droop over time.
What Causes Breast Ptosis?
The cause of breast ptosis is unclear. However, according to a study, breast ptosis can be the result of various contributing factors, such as age, body mass index, breast tissue weight and multiple pregnancies. Additionally, larger breast tissue is a significant factor in developing breast ptosis. Understanding these factors can help women seeking aesthetic improvements and enhanced quality of life decide before surgery.
Takeaways
The best way to confirm if breast lift surgery is right for you is to consult with a plastic surgeon. It is essential to get all the information and have all your questions addressed directly with your plastic surgeon to help you understand all aspects of your breast lift surgery. If you have reservations or feel anxious about the procedure, do not be shy to discuss these feelings with your breast lift plastic surgeon. Call us at 210-600-9110, and we will provide helpful information and assist you in making an appointment.
Plastic and Reconstructive Institute of Texas
At the Plastic and Reconstructive Institute of Texas, a part of Baptist Medical Network, we understand that having breast ptosis can affect a woman’s self-confidence and quality of life. Having a breast enhancement procedure is a highly personal choice that requires finding the right plastic surgeon and making the right decisions based on complete information.
Let us help bring your confidence back with information to help you decide if breast ptosis correction is right for you. Our dedicated plastic surgeons and staff have the experience and solutions to explain your options and answer questions to help you get started.
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