Breast ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”) is a condition characterized by drooping breasts with loose, stretched skin.  The skin on a woman’s breasts is primarily responsible for maintaining their position.  When the skin becomes stretched or loses its elastic properties, the breasts will gradually descend and sag.

What are the causes of breast ptosis?

In general, the cause of breast droop is a combination of factors including breast size, aging, and gravity.  Large breasts are gradually pulled downward by gravity.  As your skin becomes thinner and less elastic with age, it stretches and becomes less able to maintain a youthful breast position.

A recent study conducted at the University of Kentucky sheds some light on the factors that contribute to breast ptosis.  Surgeons found that age, significant weight loss, higher BMI, larger bra cup size, number of pregnancies, and smoking were found to be significant risk factors for breast ptosis.

Interestingly, “breast-feeding, weight gain during pregnancy, and lack of participation in regular upper body exercise were not found to be significant risk factors.”

Evaluating Breast Ptosis

A common way to measure breast ptosis is the Regnault classification, which is as follows in simplified form:

1. Pseudoptosis – the nipple falls above the fold, but the breast is hypoplastic and hangs below the breast crease.

2. Glandular Ptosis – the nipple is above the fold, but the breast hangs below the crease.

3. Minor Ptosis – the nipple is level with the breast crease.

4. Moderate Ptosis – the nipple is below the breast crease, but above the lower breast contour.

5. Severe Ptosis: the nipple is below the breast crease and below the lower breast contour.

Correcting Breast Ptosis

Using the classification system above, a surgeon can recommend the right procedure to correct breast ptosis.  Surgery to correct minor ptosis may be quite different from the procedure to correct a severe case of ptosis.  The usual procedure of choice is breast lift surgery.