Breast ptosis: is it possible to restore youth to the body?

What is breast ptosis?

This is a medical term that describes a situation where the nipple falls below the breast fold. It occurs due to the natural aging process, but can also be the result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, as well as genetics. The condition is characterized by flabby skin, drooping breasts, and downward-pointing nipples. The breast consists of breast tissue, fat, and a connective tissue framework known as Cooper's ligaments that gives it shape. Pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations can affect the integrity of Cooper's ligaments, causing stretching, weakening of the breast. 

Causes of breast ptosis

1. Aging. With age, the skin and breast tissues lose elasticity and firmness. 

2. Gravity. The force of gravity over time can cause the mammary glands to droop. 

3. Pregnancy, breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the breast increases due to hormonal changes. After childbirth, lactation, the breast may lose volume and sag, and the skin and tissues may stretch.

4. Weight changes. Significant weight loss or gain can lead to stretching of the skin, loss of elasticity of breast tissue. 

5. Genetics. Some women are predisposed to breast ptosis due to the structure of the skin and tissues.

6. Lifestyle. Smoking, long sunbathing and lack of exercise can contribute to the development of breast ptosis. Fabrics lose their elasticity, which makes them more prone to sagging.

7. Menopause. During hormonal changes, the body produces less collagen and elastin.

8. Big breasts. Women with larger breasts are more prone to ptosis due to the additional weight and load on the tissues, skin of the breast.

What are the degrees of breast ptosis?

Ptosis is divided into four degrees depending on the position of the nipple, the amount of breast tissue that has sagged below the inframammary fold (natural breast fold).

• Grade 1: the nipple is slightly below the inframammary fold, but still located in the center of the breast.

• Grade 2: the nipple is located below the inframammary fold, but is still located in the center of the breast.

• Grade 3: the nipple is located below the inframammary fold and is directed downward. 

• Grade 4: the nipple is located on the fold under the breast or below, the entire breast hangs down.

Ptosis can affect self-esteem as well as the ability to wear certain clothes. During the consultation, the plastic surgeons of Olympus Clinics will conduct a breast examination to determine the degree of ptosis, ask about your aesthetic preferences and offer a suitable correction method.

How to fix sagging breasts surgically?

At Olympus Clinics, we offer patients several options for breast correction. 

Mastopexy. This is an operation that involves removing excess skin and moving the nipples, areoles to a higher position. This allows you to improve the appearance of the mammary glands, restore their shape. During surgery, the doctor creates incisions around the areola, down the chest and in the crease under the breast. Then the excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to restore the natural position of the nipples, areoles.

Breast augmentation with a lift. A combined operation that involves the installation of implants to increase the size and lifting the breast to a higher position. With the help of surgery, you can restore the volume, shape of the mammary glands, eliminate sagging. Our plastic surgeons use only certified implants that are easy to take root and do not cause rejection. During surgery, the doctor makes incisions around the areola, down the chest and in the crease under the breast. Then the implants are placed and the remaining skin is tightened.

Breast liposuction. This is the removal of excess fat from the breast area. During the operation, the doctor creates a small incision and inserts a thin tube (cannula) to remove excess fat.

Breast lipofilling. This is the removal of fat from one area of the body and the introduction of it into the chest to increase size. It can be performed alone or in combination with other types of plastic surgery, such as mastopexy. During surgery, fat is removed from a specific area of the body using liposuction, and then processed and injected into the mammary glands.

Is it possible to prevent sagging mammary glands?

Patients of Olympus Clinics often ask about the prevention of sagging breasts. We have compiled tips that will help reduce the likelihood of developing ptosis.

• Maintain a healthy weight. This will help to reduce the load on the chest. Rapid weight loss or gain can lead to stretching of the skin and subsequent sagging of the chest. Make a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

• Wear a well-chosen bra. This measure can help prevent sagging, as well as increase comfort, reduce the risk of back pain. Keep an eye on the size, as it may change over time.

• You are less exposed to the sun. In the bright sun, wear closed clothes, hats, and use a sunscreen with a high SPF (30+) so as not to damage the skin.

• Do more sports. Exercises help strengthen the chest muscles. Regular physical activity also allows you to maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of ptosis.

• Sleep on your back. Sleeping on your side or on your stomach can put pressure on your chest, which will cause it to sag. 

It is impossible to completely prevent sagging breasts, but compliance with preventive measures will reduce the risk of developing ptosis. 

Perfect body contours at Olympus Clinics

Mastopexy in Olympus Clinics is performed by candidates of medical sciences, doctors of the highest category. At the consultation, they will ask about your vision of beauty, worries, and tell you what a possible future result will look like. You can see photos of the work before/after on our website or ask for a specialist's portfolio at the reception. During surgery, plastic surgeons work together with anesthesiologists and intensive care specialists to ensure the painlessness and safety of surgical intervention. After the operation, you will be placed in a cozy hospital, where all the staff of Olympus Clinics will take care of you. After discharge, the doctor will prescribe control procedures to monitor proper recovery.