Drooping of the breasts (ptosis) may occur primarily
with its onset in puberty or may occur secondary to enlargement and involution
of the breasts with pregnancy. Additionally, it may occur with aging or
with significant weight reduction. The nipple points downward in petosis
and by definition is below the level of the inframammary line (where the
chest and lower breast meet). In pseudoposis, the breast tissue descends
below the inframammary line but the nipple instead of pointing down points
out or upward and may or may not be below the inframammary line.
As with breast reduction, many techniques are
available and that one chosen is dependent upon the degree of lifting required.
Breast lift and breast reduction are very similar in technique. The incisions
are placed in the same areas, the scars may be in the same areas. The primary
difference is that in breast lift, no breast tissue is removed, only skin.
Complications of breast lift are as for breast reduction ie. infection,
bleeding, abnormal scarring, loss of nipple sensation, and loss of skin.
Figures show a patient before and after breast
lift.
