Breast Ptosis (Sagging Breasts) Treatment and Surgery: Restore Shape and Confidence

Sagging Breasts Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Breast ptosis refers to sagging breasts due to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or genetics.

• The most effective treatments are surgical, primarily breast lift (mastopexy), sometimes combined with implants.

• Breast lift surgery restores breast position, firmness, and contour, while enhancing nipple and areola placement.

• Non-surgical options are limited but can slightly improve mild sagging in select patients.

• Recovery is typically manageable, with long-lasting results when combined with proper lifestyle care.

What Is Breast Ptosis?

Breast ptosis, commonly called sagging breasts, occurs when supportive ligaments (Cooper’s ligaments) and skin lose elasticity, causing the breast to droop.

• Nipples may point downward or fall below the natural breast crease

• Loss of upper breast fullness

• Stretching of skin and changes in shape

Ptosis can be mild, moderate, or severe, and severity often guides the choice of treatment.

Surgical Treatment Options for Breast Ptosis

1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift is the gold standard for correcting sagging breasts. The procedure involves:

• Raising the breasts to a higher, more youthful position

• Repositioning the nipple and areola

• Removing excess skin to restore firmness

• Optional reshaping of the breast for symmetry and contour

Breast lifts can be tailored using different incision patterns:

• Crescent lift: Minimal lift for mild sagging

• Peri-areolar lift (“donut” lift): Circular incision around the areola for mild to moderate sagging

• Vertical lift (“lollipop” lift): For moderate sagging, vertical incision from areola to breast crease

• Anchor lift: For severe sagging, combines incisions around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease

2. Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)

Some patients choose to combine a breast lift with implants to restore volume lost due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss. This hybrid approach:

• Corrects sagging

• Restores upper pole fullness

• Improves overall shape and symmetry

This is ideal for women who want both lift and volume in a single procedure.

3. Fat Grafting

For mild sagging or minor volume loss, fat transfer (using your own body fat) can:

• Add subtle volume

• Improve breast contour

• Complement a breast lift procedure

Fat grafting is less invasive than implants but typically provides more modest results.

Non-Surgical Options

While surgery provides the most reliable results, non-surgical approaches may help with very mild ptosis:

• Skin-tightening treatments (radiofrequency, laser, or ultrasound)

• Supportive garments and bras to temporarily lift and shape

• Exercise to strengthen chest muscles, which may provide minimal lift

However, non-surgical methods cannot replace a breast lift for moderate to severe sagging.

Recovery After Breast Ptosis Surgery

• Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first 1–2 weeks

• Activity restrictions include avoiding heavy lifting or high-impact exercise for 4–6 weeks

• Incision care and proper support bras are essential for optimal healing

• Long-term results are best maintained with stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits

Benefits of Breast Ptosis Surgery

• Restores breast position and shape

• Enhances nipple and areola appearance

• Improves symmetry and proportion

• Boosts self-confidence and body image

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for a breast lift?
You may be if you have sagging breasts with nipples at or below the breast crease, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations.

Will a breast lift affect breastfeeding?
Many women can still breastfeed after a lift, but results may vary depending on incision type and individual anatomy.

How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting, though gravity, aging, pregnancy, and weight changes can affect breast position over time.

Is combining implants necessary?
Not always. If volume loss is significant, implants can complement a lift. Otherwise, a lift alone may suffice.

For More Information on the Treatments and Procedures offered, contact award-winning Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Fiala at Fiala Aesthetics in Greater Orlando to Schedule Your Consultation:

Voted the #1 Best Plastic Surgeon in Orlando, Florida by the readers of Orlando Magazine.