Sagging breasts, or breast ptosis, may occur as a result of advancing age, weight loss, pregnancy and/or breast feeding.
There are varying degrees of breast ptosis and while a breast lift, or mastopexy, may be sufficient for some women, other patients may require a breast lift combined with breast augmentation.
Some of the features of sagging breasts include:
- Nipples that point downward
- Stretched out areolae
- A pendulous shape
- A flattened, ‘pancake’ shape
- Wider cleavage
Your Edmonton-based plastic surgeon can help determine the extent of your ptosis and can discuss which type of breast lift or combination of other breast enhancement procedures that will best address your aesthetic concerns.
How to Classify Breast Ptosis
Plastic surgeons use the Regnault Ptosis Scale to accurately rate the droop of breasts. This system uses specific criteria of the breast to determine the type (degree/grade) of ptosis based on nipple positioning with regards to the inframammary fold.
The three degrees of breast ptosis are:
| Stage | Degree of Sagging | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mild |
The nipple is roughly at the same level as the inframammary fold with the majority of breast tissue below it. |
| 2 | Moderate |
Moderate sagging. The nipple is located below the fold and the majority of the breast tissue is concentrated in the bottom of the breast. |
| 3 | Severe |
The nipple is far below the fold and points downward to the floor. |
What are my surgical options for breast ptosis?
- Breast Lift Without Implant (Mastopexy)
A mastopexy is one of the most common breast lift operations. This plastic surgery procedure aims to reposition the breasts back into a higher position but WILL NOT increase the size, fullness or firmness of the breast.
- Breast Augmentation (Or Breast Implant)
A breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that enhances the size and volume of the breast by implanting either silicone or saline implants into the breast. It is most effective for a Stage 1 or 2 ptosis.
- Breast Lift with Implants
A breast lift with implants (breast augmentation mastopexy) is a form of breast surgery that combines a breast enhancement procedure with a breast lift to provide a completely rejuvenated breast.
This is a complex operation requiring a very skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon but the advantage is a better aesthetic result.
To learn more about which plastic surgery option is right for you, contact our Edmonton clinic today at (780) 407-6691.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
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