Because of the different degrees of breast sagging, plastic surgeons are using various types of mastopexy or what is more commonly referred to as breast lift. In this way, they can address the problem using the shortest incisions possible.
Most doctors categorize breast sagging in three types: ptosis, empty sac syndrome, and pseudoptosis.
* Ptosis
This is the only condition that warrants breast lift surgery. This happens when the breasts droop far enough that the nipple is at the same level or has even sagged below the breast crease. Usually, this is often associated with the lack of volume in the upper poles and cleavage that the bosoms appear elongated.
Ptosis comes in three categories: mild ptosis in which the nipple has dropped to the level of the breast fold; moderate ptosis in which the nipple has dropped beyond the level of breast crease; and advanced ptosis in which the nipple is pointing toward the floor.
Advanced ptosis is often treated with full mastopexy, which is also known as an inverted-T or anchor lift due to the shape of its incisions. Plastic surgeons create an excision that starts at the base of areola and travels to the breast crease, and then cut out a crescent-shaped amount of skin along the breast crease.
Full mastopexy also involves repositioning the areola complex so it sits in a more youthful position.
On the other hand, mild and moderate ptosis can be corrected with less invasive forms of mastopexy. For those who need the least amount of correction, the Benelli or donut breast lift is often enough to address the sagging by simply making an incision around the areola complex.
But for those who need a little more correction, the lollipop breast lift or vertical mastopexy is a good option. This technique involves an incision around the areola and another one that travels to the nipple down to the breast crease, resulting to a lollipop-shaped scar.
* Empty Sac Syndrome
This condition can be treated with breast augmentation surgery alone since the areola and nipple have not yet fallen at the same level or beyond the breast crease. Implants are enough restore the lost volume associated with aging and pregnancy.
* Pseudoptosis
This condition, like the empty sac syndrome, is best suited for breast augmentation rather than breast lift. Women with pseudoptosis have breasts that have fullness below the nipple but the upper portion appears somewhat “deflated.”
