Should I Have Mastopexy to Treat My Sagging Breasts?

Mastopexy, or more commonly known as breast lift, is usually the first one that comes to mind for those with breast ptosis or sagging.  However, you should bear in mind that the exact appearance of your chest determines if this procedure is the right one for you.

A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine the extent of the sagging and choose the surgical technique which can provide the most desirable result.

But take note that having a flaccid breast does not automatically qualify you for breast lift surgery.  To know if you can benefit from this procedure, first you should understand the three types of breast sag:

* Ptosis

This condition warrants a breast lift.  It is manifested by having nipples that fall within the breast crease (Grade I); nipples falling below the breast fold (Grade II); and nipples reaching below the crease and pointing downward.

The degree of the problem determines the type of breast lift technique is used.  But the rule of thumb is that the more sagging you have, the more extensive the incisions will be.

If your breasts are very large and/or your breast ptosis falls under the category of Grade III, you would likely need the anchor lift technique which places incision around the areola complex, within the breast crease, and vertically between the areola and crease.

But if your ptosis falls under the category of Grade I and/or if you have a small- to medium-sized breast, the incision within the breast crease can be removed, thereby leading to quicker recovery. 

If you have a small sagging breast that lack volume in the upper cleavage, you may benefit from breast augmentation performed at the same time of your breast lift surgery.  Take note that be combining these two procedures, your plastic surgeon will use fewer incisions, leading to lower risk of visible scarring.

* Empty Sac Syndrome

The condition happens when the breasts have lost their fullness and roundness, giving an impression of sagging.  But if you will look closely, the nipples have not yet reached the breast crease.

For empty sac syndrome, the best approach is breast augmentation surgery particularly with the use of round implants to create fullness.

* Pseudo-ptosis

This is almost the same with empty sac syndrome, although the difference is that the upper cleavage is the only area which lacks fullness and roundness.  For this reason, placing round breast implants can correct the flaccid appearance.