Breast ptosis

What is breast ptosis?

Breasts are said to be affected by “ptosis” when they are sagging.

This aesthetic problem covers different situations depending on two variables: the amount of skin and the volume of the breasts. The surgical technique is adapted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the morphology of the breasts.

There are several types of ptosis:

1. Empty breasts

This is common following a pregnancy or weight loss. It is possible to increase the volume of the breasts (with a filling or with prostheses) without reducing the amount of skin by limiting the scars.

Augmentation by prosthesis

 

2. The amount of skin is excessive, with a lack of volume.

The volume of the breast must be increased and the skin must be lifted during the same operation.

Augmentation by prosthesis + eriareolar lift

 

3. The amount of skin is excessive but the breast volume is satisfactory.

In this case, the surgeon can lift the skin, without changing the volume.

Lifting by inverted “T” mastopexy

 

4. The amount of skin is excessive and the volume is too large.

The surgeon reduces the volume and lift the skin as in a breast reduction surgery.

Breast lift and reduction

Scars after a breast ptosis treatment

The length of the scars depends on the amount of excess skin.

The goal is always to limit the length of the scars. This should not be done at the expense of the quality of the result, in particular the shape of the breast. It is better to have scars that are a little longer but less visible than wide scars with a poor shape correction.

1. Periareolar scar
2. Periareolar and vertical scar
3. Periareolar scar, vertical and a scar in the sub mammary fold called inverted-T scar

The quality of the scars depends on the way each patient heals. All of the patients above have T-shaped scars (figure 2) and one year of healing: as you can see the healing is different for each one.

Characteristics of the breast ptosis surgery

• The procedure takes 1h30 under general anesthesia, or exceptionally under local anesthesia.
• Hospitalization is most often done on an outpatient basis (same day discharge).
• The surgical outcome is not painful.
• The dressings are kept for 8 days.
• Few days off work (not covered by social security).
• No exercise for 2 to 4 weeks.

Possible complications after breast ptosis surgery

They are related to the healing process.

Post-operative complications

Favored by smoking. It is advisable to stop smoking 1 month before and after the operation.

• Necrosis of a part of the areola or gland.
• Disruption of a scar or infection.
• Decrease or loss of sensitivity of the areolas and nipples.

Late complications

• Unsightly scars: hypertrophic, keloids or misplaced.
• Recurrence of ptosis on very thin skin or when there are weight changes.
• Residual asymmetry.

Before / After breast ptosis surgery

Below are a few photos illustrating the results of several ptosis correction procedures.