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Degrees of Breast Sagging and Breast Lift Surgery to Correct
Breast Lift Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ
Although a woman may be happy with the general size of her breasts, more often than not she is not too pleased if they are sagging (drooping). Having the right size doesn’t guarantee that they are attractive and voluptuous in appearance. With the help of the right bra, breasts may appear perky, firm, and alluring, but out of it they often lose their shape and attractiveness.
Breasts can have a displeasing appearance if they are deflated, sagging, or have drooping nipples and stretched areolas. So, in these situations…
“Size matters”…only up to a point, though!
(Where have we heard this before?)
Breast ptosis (sagging) occurs when skin loses elasticity and can no longer bear the weight and help maintain the youthful shape of the breast tissue. Consequently, the breast loses its attractive contours, including the fullness higher up, and begins the relentless process of hanging lower and lower on the chest (and abdominal) wall. This condition can be caused by pregnancy, nursing, gravity, weight fluctuations, large breast size, the natural aging process, genetics, sun damage, and even cigarette smoking.
The extent of ptosis varies not only from person to person but even between the left and right sides of the same individual. The degree of this sagging will influence the type of procedures employed to correct it and rejuvenate the breasts.
Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) would need to be performed in order to rejuvenate the breasts and achieve a more attractive breast shape and appropriate position. Depending on the degree of drooping as well as other factors, the extent of the procedure could range from just the removal of a small amount of skin at the top of the areola all the way to an anchor-shaped (inverted T) incision that also entails the removal of skin and some strategically situated breast tissue, the elevation and contouring of the remaining breast tissue, and the repositioning and resizing of the nipple-areola complex on the reshaped breast.
Degree of Ptosis and Other Factors Determine the Lift Technique
There are several different breast lifting techniques that can be considered in order to improve varying degrees of sagging. The breast lift technique that I use is individualized for each breast of every one of my patients and is determined not only by the extent of drooping but also other important factors as well.
The following are the most common approaches employed for breast lifts – listed from simplest to most involved:
The Crescent (Mini) Lift
- Most mild form of ptosis
- The nipple is above the inframammary fold
- Most of the breast tissue still lies below the nipple
- A crescent of tissue is removed from around the top half of the areola
The Periareolar (Donut) Lift
- A mild to early moderate form of ptosis
- The nipple is located near the inframammary fold
- Most of the breast tissue can lie either above or below the nipple
- An incision around the areola is used to remove a donut of skin from around it with more removed from above
The “Lollipop” Lift
- A moderate form of ptosis
- The nipple is typically located below the inframammary fold
- Most of the breast tissue lies above the nipple
- An incision is made around the areola, which then continues vertically down the breast to near or at the inframammary fold (creating a lollipop shape) allowing a three-dimensional removal of skin and breast tissue and reshaping of the breast tissue.
The Inverted-T (Anchor-Shaped) Lift
- A moderate to advanced form of ptosis
- The nipple is located below the inframammary fold
- The vast majority of the breast tissue is located above the nipple
- An incision is made around the areola, which then continues vertically down to the inframammary fold (breast crease) and then horizontally along the crease – providing for the most extensive excess skin removal and the best three-dimensional re-contouring of the remaining breast tissue in order to yield the best possible outcome.
Breast Lift Consultation
During your consultation, we will discuss at length the results that you are seeking. I will evaluate you thoroughly in order to determine the best technique that would allow you to achieve your goals. This would also include selecting the proper sizes and styles of breast implants (when appropriate) – allowing you to undergo both a breast lift and a breast augmentation at the same time. A vast majority of my patients who are in need of a lift also have a breast enlargement concurrently.
To discuss your options for breast lift surgery, you can schedule a consultation with me by calling (480) 451-3000 or by filling out our online contact form. I am a breast enhancement specialist, ABPS Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, and have been selected as one of “America’s Top Plastic Surgeons.”