Breast ptosis

Authors: Mia Demant, MD, Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD and Mia Steffensen, MD

Definition

Medical term for drooping breast tissue. The degree is categorized by evaluating the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold (IMF):

Grade I (mild ptosis): Nipple at the level of the IMF and above most of the lower breast tissue.
Grade II (moderate ptosis): Nipple below the IMF but higher than most of the breast tissue.
Grade III (severe ptosis): Nipple below the IMF and at the level of maximum breast downwards projection.
Glandular ptosis/pseudoptosis: Nipple is located either at or above the IMF. The lower half of the breast sags below the fold. Often seen when a woman stops nursing, as her milk glands atrophy.

Surgeries offered

• Mastopexy (areolar or Wise pattern)
• Augmentation
• Mastopexy combined with augmentation (1)

Acknowledgments

Illustrators: Christian Paaskesen, med.stud.