Breast ptosis: everything you need to know about correction, techniques, and results

Breast ptosis is not a disease: it occurs when skin loses its elasticity and the mammary gland slides down the breast. Under the effect of gravity, aging, pregnancy or weight loss, the breast loses its firmness, its volume diminishes and the chest sags. This sagging skin sometimes gives the upper part of the breast a drooping or hollowed-out appearance, altering the natural shape of the décolleté.
The mastopexyor breast lift, is the most common surgical procedure used to correct sagging. It consists of lift the chest, reposition the nipple and remove distended skin to restore a harmonious figure. Depending on the degree of ptosis, the technique can be combined with a reduction, lipofilling or a prosthesis., The safest indication to avoid aggravating the subsidence.
Performed in aesthetic clinics, usually on an outpatient basis, and under general anaesthetic, The result is a firmer, more natural appearance and improved self-confidence.

DEFINITION OF BREAST PTOSIS?

Breast ptosis is a natural phenomenon Over time, the skin envelope distends, the internal attachments loosen (Cooper's ligaments) and the mammary gland sags, leading to a progressive drooping of the breasts. The upper part of the breast appears emptied, the volume is concentrated at the bottom and the breast loses its firmness.
We speak of sagging breasts when the nipple descends. below the level of the submammary fold (natural fold under the breast), marking a loss of curvature and tone. The definition of breast ptosis is therefore based on the abnormal position of the nipple and changes in glandular volume.

This sagging is not pathological: it reflects the effects of time, gravity, weight variations and hormonal changes. Depending on skin quality (cutaneous elasticity) and morphology, it can appear early and then become more pronounced.

DEFINITION AND STAGES OF BREAST PTOSIS

Surgeons classify breast ptosis into three stages according to the height of the nipple in relation to the submammary fold, the anatomical landmark at the base of the breast.

• Mild ptosis (grade 1) The nipple is slightly lowered, but remains above the furrow. The décolleté still retains a harmonious shape.
• Moderate ptosis (grade 2) The nipple is at the same level as the submammary fold. The breast drop becomes visible, with more pronounced skin slackening.
• Severe ptosis (grade 3) the nipple descends sharply below the furrow, indicating a complete collapse of the gland and a significant skin distension.
• Pseudoptosis The nipple remains above the inframammary fold, but the lower part of the breast overflows downwards. The upper pole is “emptied”, the lower is filled. This is not “true” ptosis, as the nipple is not low.

These degrees of ptosis guide the choice of surgical technique. An implant alone does not correct ptosis, and may even aggravate it due to its weight. A breast lift allows correct sagging breasts by removing excess skin and lifting the gland, even if this means adding a moderate volume if necessary. Conversely, for slight ptosis with an “emptied” breast but with little skin distension, an implant or lipofilling may suffice, without any skin gesture.

THE DIFFERENT CAUSES OF BREAST PTOSIS

Several factors can lead to progressive sagging of the breasts. While ptosis is often associated with aging skin, it can also affect young women without pregnancy or significant weight loss. Each cause affects skin, gland and ligaments breast support.

BREAST PTOSIS AFTER MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS

After rapid weight loss, the skin doesn't have time to retract and the gland loses volume, leaving a hollowed-out chest. The weight loss surgery aims to remove excess skin and tighten the envelope. Depending on the case, a measured volume supplement (lipofilling or modest implant) may be discussed to avoid the appearance of further emptying, but without overloading the tissues or encouraging further sagging.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Volume changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding distend the skin envelope. After weaning, if the skin does not recover and the areola is low, a breast lift after pregnancy is more appropriate than an isolated implant, which could accentuate ptosis.

HORMONAL VARIATIONS

Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, modify fat distribution and skin tone. Mammary tissue becomes softer, the gland loses density and the breast flattens, accentuating natural ptosis.

INHERITED

The quality of the skin, the density of the mammary gland and the strength of Cooper's ligaments all depend in part on genetic inheritance. Some women have thinner or less elastic skin, which favors early sagging.

NO BRA AND NATURAL SAGGING

Wearing an appropriate bra helps limit the traction exerted on the tissues. The absence of a bra, especially for women with large breasts, accentuates the severity of the phenomenon. But sometimes, even with good support, gravity acts naturally over the years.

SKIN AGING

With age, collagen and elastin production diminishes. The skin loses its ability to tighten, tissue slackens and the nipple descends. This physiological process affects all women, but can be slowed by a healthy lifestyle and regular skin care.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE BREAST PTOSIS?

A simple test can detect the presence of ptosis the pencil test. This involves placing a pencil under the breast, in the submammary fold. If the pencil stays in place, the breast has sagged.
Visual observation of the nipple is also a reliable guide. When the nipple is below the furrow, we speak of true ptosis.

For a precise diagnosis, only a consultation with an aesthetic surgeon will enable us to assess the degree of skin slackening, the proportion of glandular tissue and the most suitable correction technique.
Ask for a consultation with Dr Djian, breast ptosis expert in Paris.

SOLUTIONS FOR TREATING BREAST PTOSIS OR PTOSIS CURE

Mastopexy (breast lift) aims to lift sagging breasts by removing excess skin, recentering the gland and repositioning the nipple to restore a natural curve. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic, on an outpatient basis, with immediately perceptible results that improve over several months.

Make an appointment with Dr Djian, breast lift specialist in Paris, This allows you to obtain a personalized assessment and a simulation of the expected result.

BREAST LIFT WITHOUT PROSTHESIS (MASTOPEXY)

When the patient retains sufficient volume, a breast lift without prosthesis is the preferred solution. The surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the gland to restore a firm, natural shape. Several types of incision can be used, depending on the degree of ptosis:

• periareolar incision for light ptosis;
• vertical incision for moderate ptosis ;
• inverted T incision (or sea anchor) for severe ptosis with significant skin excess.

This technique can also be used to correct breast asymmetry, or to reduce the diameter of the areola if it is too large. These incisions are positioned at the natural limits of the skin (areolar margin, vertical axis, submammary fold) to remain discreet and camouflaged by the bra. Scars, though visible at first, fade considerably over time.

BREAST LIFT WITH PROSTHESIS

When ptosis is accompanied by loss of volume, the combination of a breast lift and breast implants can restore fullness to the décolleté. This procedure restores curvature to the upper part of the breast and lifts it. The choice of prosthesis depends on the patient's morphology and the desired result (round or anatomical shapes). The surgeon is careful to maintain a balance between correcting ptosis and adding volume, to avoid excessive tension on the skin.
To be discussed only if the volume deficit is proven: an implant that is too large can weigh on the tissues and encourage recurrence of sagging. It's better to opt for a measured, even program a two-stage increase if a significant gain is desired. The result is stable if weight and skin quality remain stable.

AUTOLOGOUS LIPOFILLING

Le lipofilling mammaire consiste à remove fat from another area of the body, (often the thighs, hips or abdomen) to reinject it into the breast. Fat transfer provides a subtle correction of the upper curve, with moderate quantities per session. This option is an interesting complement to a facelift when the patient refuses the implant or wants a particularly natural result. This procedure sculpts the breasts with precision, while using the patient's own tissues, thus limiting the risk of a reaction.

MASTOPEXY WITH BREAST REDUCTION

Some patients have large, sagging breasts (breast hypertrophy). In this case, surgery combines reduction of glandular volume with correction of ptosis. The surgeon removes part of the mammary gland, while repositioning the areola and tightening the skin.
This breast reduction coupled with mastopexy not only lighten the breasts, but also rebalance the silhouette and relieve back pain. The desired result is lighter, more symmetrical breasts in harmony with the overall morphology, with a stable shape over time.

RESULTS, SCARS AND RISKS OF SURGERY

A breast lift offers results that are both visible and gradual. The breasts regain their harmonious shape and natural positioning. The quality of the result depends on the technique used, the elasticity of the skin and compliance with post-operative instructions.

EXPECTED RESULTS AND EVOLUTION OVER TIME

As soon as you leave the operating room, your breasts appear higher and better shaped. The nipple is repositioned at a level consistent with the patient's morphology.

For the first few months, the tissues are still taut and the scars slightly pink.
Between 3 and 6 months, the skin regains its suppleness, the décolleté becomes more natural and symmetry takes hold.
After 1 year, the result is considered definitive: the shape of the breasts is stabilized and the hold is long-lasting, provided the patient maintains a stable weight. Patients often regain a feeling of lightness and a balanced silhouette.

Here are a few before and after breast lift photos practiced by Dr Djian.

SCARS DEPENDING ON THE TECHNIQUE USED

Scars are a necessary counterpart to the treatment of true ptosis. They depend on the technique chosen and the degree of initial sagging.
For light ptosis, the scar is limited to the areola.
In moderate cases, it extends vertically into the submammary fold.
In the case of severe ptosis, an inverted-T scar is required to remove more skin.

Properly cared for, these marks fade and blend into the skin. Applying healing skin care products, avoiding sun exposure for a year and not smoking will help maintain a beautiful aesthetic evolution. To further optimize the healing process, a laser treatment like UrgoTouch can be offered.

POSSIBLE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Like all surgical procedures, mastopexy involves rare complications:

• hematoma, 
• infection, 
• delayed healing
• or loss temporary sensitivity of the’areola.

These risks are limited by strict hygiene and careful monitoring. Minor asymmetries may persist, due to the natural difference between the two breasts. Most imperfections diminish on their own as healing progresses.

Patients should inform their surgeon of any medical history or treatment in progress in order to adapt pre- and post-operative precautions.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Beyond the aesthetic aspect, the correction of breast ptosis brings tangible psychological well-being. Regaining firm breasts and a harmonious décolleté restores self-confidence, bodily ease and freedom of dress. Many patients describe an improvement in their posture and a feeling of lightness, as if their bodies were regaining their natural balance.

This calming of self-image often has positive repercussions on intimate life: greater comfort, increased freedom of movement, less self-censorship and, for some, a renewed sense of sexual fulfillment. Without being a goal in itself, this benefit often stems from a more serene relationship with one's body.

The procedure helps you come to terms with your image, particularly after major life changes such as maternity, weight loss or aging.

A consultation with Dr. Djian in Paris, a specialist in breast surgery, will enable you to envisage a tailor-made solution and achieve a result that is both harmonious and long-lasting.

PRICE AND TREATMENT OF BREAST PTOSIS

HOW MUCH DOES BREAST PTOSIS SURGERY COST?

The cost of surgery of breast ptosis varies according to the technique, the extent of the procedure and the facility where the surgery is performed. The procedure is personalized, as sagging, volume and skin elasticity differ from patient to patient.

In Paris between €4,000 and €8,500 all-inclusive (pre-operative consultation, surgeon's and anesthetist's fees, clinic fees).

The range depends above all on the degree of ptosis and the associated gestures:

• lower rangesimple mastopexy without implant; ;
• high endimplants, lipofilling and/or breast reduction.

The experience of the practitioner, the clinic chosen and the quality of post-operative follow-up also influence the final cost estimate.

* The cosmetic surgery prices on this page are indicative and non-contractual. The first cosmetic surgery consultation costs 100 euros.

Dr. Djian's detailed estimate for cosmetic surgery is given at the end of the consultation. This pre-operative appointment is used to analyze morphology (degree of ptosis, skin quality, symmetry), validate the indication and choose the appropriate technique. The estimate specifies fees, the anesthesia costs, the clinic costs, the length of hospital stay (often ambulatory) and type of act with an explanation of scars, risks and recovery protocol for an informed decision.

REIMBURSEMENT AND CONDITIONS OF COVERAGE

The breast ptosis surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not reimbursed by the French Social Security system.
However, there are a few exceptions. A partial coverage may be granted in specific cases: congenital malformation, tuberous breastsor significant asymmetry between the two breasts. In these situations, the surgeon sends a request for prior agreement the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie, which makes its decision after examining the medical file.

Even in the absence of reimbursement, the mastopexy remains a long-term investment. Results are stable over time, providing lasting aesthetic and psychological benefits.
Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon remains essential to guarantee the safety of the procedure and the quality of the final result.

PREVENTING BREAST PTOSIS: THE RIGHT REFLEXES FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

Preventing breast ptosis is above all a matter of protection of the supporting tissues of the breast. Visit maintaining a Stable weight is essential: major variations in weight cause successive stretching of the skin, making it more fragile.

Wearing an appropriate bra, well fitted to the size of the breasts, helps to reduce traction on the ligaments and mammary gland. It must be comfortable, offering good support without compressing, especially during physical activity.
Thedaily hydration of the skin, with care products rich in collagen and elastin, helps to preserve its firmness.

Sport in moderation, It strengthens the pectoral muscles and improves chest tone. Strengthening exercises such as push-ups or movements with light dumbbells stimulate the bust area.
Last but not least, a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, a balanced diet and sun protection, helps to slow down skin ageing and preserve the shape of the décolleté.

These simple gestures are no substitute for surgery, but they do help to delay the onset of skin sagging and maintain the natural firmness of the breasts for as long as possible.

CONCLUSION: REGAIN HARMONIOUS, NATURAL BREASTS

Making a decision about breast ptosis isn't just about “having an operation”. It's about clarifying a simple goal: feel better in your body. Some will opt for day-to-day prevention (stable weight, adapted support, skin care, gentle exercise); others will wish to correct an established sagging with a measured mastopexy, designed for their morphology and lifestyle. The important thing is to move forward with clear information on the procedure, the scars, the after-effects and the expected result.

If you would like a more detailed opinion and concrete recommendations, make an appointment with the Dr Jérémy Djian in Paris. The no-obligation consultation allows us to assess your situation, examine your options and build a realistic care plan, focused on a natural, long-lasting result.