It’s completely natural for breasts to droop over time, but did you know that the sagging of breast tissue has a name?
It’s called ptosis, and it’s much more common than you think. It’s part of the ageing process, although some women can develop ptosis at a younger age. Weight loss and gain, pregnancy, genetics and even gravity can all influence how much your boobs droop. Here are some of the factors that can cause your boobs to sag over time:
- Ageing
- Cup size
- Weight gain/weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Gravity
- Genetics
- Menopause
There are different grades of ptosis, and a simple test can tell you which group you belong to. All you need is a pencil and a mirror!
Grades of ptosis
Place a pencil under your breasts where they meet with your chest (known as the inframammary fold). Put your arms up, and if your breasts hold the pencil, you have some degree of ptosis.
Grade 1 – Nipples are at the level of the inframammary fold (in line with the pencil).
Grade 2 – Nipples are below the level of the pencil, but there is still more breast below the nipples.
Grade 3 – Nipples have dropped below the pencil and most breast tissue weighs below the pencil too.
Grade 4 – Nipples have dropped below the pencil, below the mound of breast tissue, and are either pointing towards the floor or bending back toward the chest wall.
How is it treated?
While sagging breasts are a natural part of ageing, they can leave you feeling self-conscious and make it difficult for you to feel comfortable in certain clothing. Ptosis can be addressed with breast uplift surgery, also known as a ‘mastopexy’ or breast lift. The breast tissue is lifted and the nipples can be repositioned to sit in the right place. A breast lift will make your breasts feel firmer, and help you feel a lot more confident about your body. You can even combine a breast uplift with breast augmentation. Our expert surgeons will be able to advise you on the best option for your dream results.
Life after a breast lift
If you suffer from ptosis and are bothered by the appearance of your boobs, a breast uplift could change your life. Our patient Danielle had her surgery with us in 2020 and has never looked back.
Danielle had dreamed of having a breast augmentation and uplift for a long time but after having her daughter, she decided it was time to go for it. She researched a few different companies, but The Hospital Group stood out from the rest. With the support of her mum - who had also had two breast enlargements with Transform - she went ahead and booked her surgery.
“People will always have their own perceptions of boob jobs and cosmetic surgery,” Danielle says, “but my boobs couldn’t look more natural. It has made me feel so much more confident. Now I can shop for nice bras and I don’t even have to wear ones with an underwire! It’s a great feeling.”
Danielle was delighted with the service she received from the whole team at The Hospital Group and her surgeon, Mr Cheema. “The service I’ve received throughout my whole experience has been 5-star,” she smiles. “I wish I’d had the surgery sooner. I feel so much happier.”
If you’ve been thinking about a breast uplift or augmentation, there’s no time like the present to get in touch. Just book your free, no-obligation consultation with us today – your new beginning is just around the corner!