Breast ptosis, commonly known as breast sagging, can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. Women often feel self-conscious about how they look or are forced to forego their favorite type of clothing to disguise the sagging.
Ptosis can occur due to a variety of factors. Aging is one of the major causes, and breastfeeding, pregnancy, and weight loss can also be to blame. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun damage from excess exposure can lead to loss of skin elasticity, contributing to drooping in the breasts.
A mastopexy may be an excellent option to improve sagging. Depending on the amount of sagging, your plastic surgeon may recommend a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. For sagging with loss of volume, a mastopexy in combination with procedures such as breast augmentation with implants may be recommended.
DEGREE OF SEVERITY
The degree of sagging in the breasts is a vital piece of information for your plastic surgeon. In general, ptosis is classified into grades ranging from mild to severe. Some women may experience asymmetrical ptosis, which is typically mild and can generally be improved during surgery. In some cases, there may be pseudoptosis, the appearance of ptosis without actual ptosis.
It is always best to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the extent of the problem. Once the problem has been evaluated, your plastic surgeon will explain the options and recommended solutions.
WHAT IS MASTOPEXY?
Mastopexy (breast lift) involves removing excess skin from the breasts to raise the breasts and give the skin a tighter appearance – effectively, a breast lift.
At the start of a mastopexy procedure, general anesthesia is administered to the patient for the duration of the surgery. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and does not feel any pain during the procedure.
Incisions are then created. The size, shape, and location of the incisions are determined by the amount of skin excision needed to achieve a breast lift and the particular technique used by your plastic surgeon. Thus, the degree of breast ptosis is a key factor in choice of incision.
For mild to moderate ptosis, the incision created may often be the donut incision. This involves the creation of two concentric circles around the areola. For moderate ptosis, many surgeons perform the lollipop incision. This incision is a circle around the areola with a vertical incision stretching downward to meet the breast fold. For a high degree of ptosis, the inverted-T incision may be used. This pattern is similar to a lollipop incision in that it starts with a circle around the areola and a vertical incision leading down. It also includes a curving horizontal incision across the breast fold.
CONSIDERING MASTOPEXY?
It is ideal for patients need to have realistic expectations about the outcome of their surgery. Mastopexy will not add volume. It will, however, create perkier and more youthful breasts and can improve your overall body shape, proportions, and contours. The results usually last for a long time but are not permanent, as skin quality, aging, and gravity can all have an effect.
In the hands of a capable board-certified plastic surgeon, you can expect an excellent outcome from mastopexy for breast ptosis. Dr. R. Emerick Salas is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. He is an ideal choice to help you achieve your goals. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Salas by contacting our office.
