What is Breast Ptosis (Sagging of The Breast), and What Are The Surgical Treatment Options?

Dr Craig Rubinstein - MBBS, FRACS (Plast)

Over time, the breasts can begin to lose volume, and the skin on the breasts can become less firm. This is a normal part of the ageing process, known as breast ptosis.

There are a variety of breast procedures available that can specifically target the changes that occur in the breasts due to breast ptosis.

Read on to learn more about breast ptosis, why it occurs, and the breast surgery options that are available should you want to make aesthetic changes.

What is breast ptosis?

Breast ptosis is characterised by skin laxity and a loss of volume in the breasts. It affects women of all ages and body types. It naturally occurs as the body ages.

In medical terms, ptosis refers to a sagging condition. It occurs in the breasts when the ligaments and skin that support them lose elasticity, causing the breast tissue to change.

Breast ptosis isn’t just about the skin – it also involves the internal structures of the breast. Over time, the breast tissue can lose volume, or the weight of the breast can cause strain on the ligaments. The nipples may point downwards, and the breasts might sit lower on the chest.

The severity of ptosis can vary, from a slight to a more significant change in the breast’s position on the chest wall. It is often categorised into degrees, from mild to moderate or severe, depending on the position of the nipple. For example, if the nipple isn’t pointing too far downwards towards the breast crease, it is usually a milder case of breast ptosis, whereas severe breast ptosis may involve completely downwards-facing nipples.

What causes breast ptosis?

The main cause of breast ptosis is the natural ageing process, but other factors can also contribute to the condition.

As the body ages, the skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for its firmness. These changes lead to the loss of elasticity in the breasts and other areas of the body.

Another factor that can contribute to breast ptosis is the fluctuations in breast size that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the breasts often increase in size to prepare for breastfeeding, which can stretch the skin. After breastfeeding, the breasts may then lose volume, which can result in the appearance of loose skin after it has stretched.

Weight changes can also affect the appearance of breasts over time. Gaining and losing weight can cause the skin and tissue within the breast to stretch and contract, which can contribute to skin laxity.

Like with many changes that can occur in the body, genetics can also play a part in breast ptosis. Some people are more predisposed to breast ptosis due to their skin type, breast size, or the strength of their ligaments.

Smoking can also affect the appearance of the breasts over time – particularly the skin on the breasts. Smoking has been shown to break down elastin in the skin, which can accelerate skin laxity not only in the breasts but anywhere on the body.

What are the breast surgery options for breast ptosis?

Multiple types of breast procedures can address skin laxity, excess skin on the breasts, and loss of volume. Some surgeries can be combined to address both skin laxity and breast volume within one procedure.

The most common surgery for breast ptosis is a breast lift. A breast lift is designed to reposition the breasts to a higher position on the chest. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola may also be repositioned to sit higher on the breast. Sometimes, the areola may be reduced in size if it has become stretched over time. There are a few different techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, with different incision types and placements.

While a breast lift can address skin laxity, the position of the breasts and the position of the nipples, it doesn’t address loss of volume. So, sometimes, breast lift patients combine the procedure with a breast augmentation. This is particularly common in those who have lost a significant amount of breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.

A breast augmentation with breast implants can specifically change the size and increase the volume of the breasts. Breast implants are made in different shapes and sizes, which allows patients to find the right type of breast implants that align with their aesthetic goals and personal features.

Apart from a breast lift, there is another type of breast procedure available for breast ptosis that is specifically suitable for those with larger breasts. A breast reduction, as well as addressing breast ptosis, can reduce the size and weight of the breasts that may be causing discomfort. Like with a breast lift, different incision types and placements can be used, but the procedure generally involves removing excess breast tissue.

Choosing to undergo a breast procedure for breast ptosis is a completely personal decision that should be discussed with a qualified, experienced and skilled plastic surgeon.

Book your consultation with breast surgeon Dr Rubinstein in Melbourne

If you want to undergo a surgical procedure to address breast ptosis, a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will help you choose the most suitable procedure.

Based in Melbourne, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein focuses on performing breast and abdominoplasty procedures.

With over 25 years of experience and having performed over 7,000 procedures, Dr Craig Rubinstein has refined his techniques in scar minimisation during breast procedures. He takes a patient-centred approach and aims for a simple recovery process, providing personalised procedure plans based on each patient’s needs.

Please feel free to contact our team to discuss how to arrange your consultation, learn more about the procedures that Dr Rubinstein performs or ask any questions you may have.

Read more: