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Descending Breasts? Breast Implants, Breast Lifts (Mastopexy) or Breast Reduction Options Explained
If you have descending breasts, you may be researching your breast surgery options. To get uplifted breasts, which lift the nipples to a more central location on the breast mound, requires a breast lift (mastopexy). You can get a breast lift (mastopexy) with or without augmentation, or perhaps you need a breast reduction. Here’s how to tell if a breast lift (mastopexy) or a breast reduction is suitable for your needs, which always includes a lifting of the breast volume and the nipples or “areola.”
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4 Breast Surgery Options For Descending Breasts
There are four types of breast surgery possible to remedy descending breasts and downward-facing nipples, although one is known as a breast reduction rather than a breast lift (mastopexy). It does, however, inherently include a breast and nipple lift.
1. Breast Augmentation for Descending Breasts
A Breast Implant Augmentation on its own can be used for mild ptosis (descending breasts) that can elevate the nipples, but may lead to future further descending if the skin is lax. See before and after photos of Breast Augmentation.
2. Breast Lift (Mastopexy) for Descending Breasts
There are three options for breast lift (mastopexy) surgery to correct descending breasts. A breast lift (nipple lift) that does not include additional volume changes. This is known as a mastopexy procedure. You could also pursue a breast lift that includes increased volume via the use of a breast prosthesis (breast implant). This is known as a mastopexy augmentation (combined breast uplift with breast implants). Finally, a breast lift that is combined with a reduction of breast tissues – a breast reduction. This is officially known as a reduction mammoplasty. See before and after photos of Breast Lift (mastopexy).
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) or Breast Reduction?
Choosing between a breast lift, a breast lift (mastopexy) with implants, or a breast reduction can be difficult to decide. This is something that will be covered in your consultation with your plastic surgeon. However, there are some ways you can tell at home, whether you need a breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction.
3. Breast Lift (Mastopexy) for Ptosis
Do you feel your breasts are empty-looking and only slightly descending, such as can occur after weight loss or pregnancy? Depending on where your nipples sit and what your skin tone is, you’ll usually have two main options to alter the appearance of your breasts. In these cases, you can pursue either a breast lift (mastopexy) on its own or a Mastopexy Augmentation (breast lift with implants).
An uplift without implants can usually resolve the problems associated with descending breasts, but it may seem to you as if you have a slightly reduced volume (even if you don’t).
4. Breast Reduction for Ptosis
If, however, you have very heavy tissues in the breast area, you may need to explore your breast reduction options. This means if you have heavy breasts or breasts that descend due to large breast volume, a reduction is recommended. Further, large breasts can cause a variety of issues including back, shoulder and neck pain. The skin can also suffer from grooves caused by the weight of the breasts pulling the bra down. In these cases, breast reduction may be suitable for you. See before and after photos of Breast Reduction.
About Dr Craig Rubinstein
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Dr Craig Rubinstein FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is an experienced Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon for breast and abdominoplasty surgery.
Dr Rubinstein offers women personalised abdominoplasty surgery and all forms of cosmetic breast surgery.
BOOK A CONSULTATION (03) 8849 1400
Next Steps in Your Surgical Journey
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Download a Free Procedure Guide on your chosen surgery.
- Visit the FAQs and read patient reviews to learn more about your intended procedure.
- For more information about pricing visit our cost page.
- You can also talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 to 5 pm Monday to Friday on (03) 8849 1400
About Your First Consultation
- Dr Rubinstein’s Consultation fee is $300.
- A referral from your GP or specialist is essential.
- A referral helps when claiming Medicare or Private Health Insurance coverage.
- Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- You are more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents provided.
- Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes.