This Article Has Been Medically Approved By Dr. Timothy Connall
Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons offers Portland women breast lift surgery as a way of reversing the sagging caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and aging. We typically perform the procedure after patients decide not to have any more children. We can combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation for patients who want to reshape as well as increase the size of their breasts.
The type of breast lift that will benefit each woman will depend on the degree of ptosis (sagging) affecting her breasts. We will determine this classification as part of a comprehensive examination. Ptosis is primarily based on the position of the nipple in relation to the breast fold (the crease where the breast meets the chest). Your doctor may categorize your needs as follows:
- Grade 1. The nipple and breast fold are at the same level.
- Grade 2. The nipple is below the breast fold, but still pointing upward.
- Grade 3. The nipple is below the fold and is pointing downward.
- Glandular ptosis. The nipple remains above the fold of the breast, but the breast sags below the fold.
Real Patient Results
How Ptosis Affects the Surgical Plan
For Portland patients with Grade 1 (mild) ptosis, Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons may recommend a breast augmentation instead of a breast lift. A procedure to add fullness rather than to reshape the breast is a limited surgery that can still provide an attractive and natural-looking breast.
Portland patients with Grade 2 (moderate) ptosis may also be well served with breast implants instead of a breast lift. But most women require both techniques to achieve their desired results. During your consultation, we will determine the extent of your ptosis and which technique will work best for you.
Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons advises that Portland patients have a breast lift if they have Grade 3 (severe) ptosis. As part of the procedure, we will adjust the position of the nipple-areolar complex, remove the excess lower breast skin, and correct the sagging. Beyond rejuvenating the appearance of the breasts, the surgery may also improve day-to-day comfort and confidence in wearing a greater variety of clothing.
Glandular ptosis is usually treated like mild ptosis. That is, an implant alone will often inflate the breast and rotate and “lift” the breast upward.
When performing breast lift surgery, we use a variety of techniques customized to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Each approach offers a different degree of improvement to sagging while balancing the need for surgical scars. Breast lifting techniques include:
- Placing the incision around the areola only.
- Going around the areola and down the center of the breast.
- Using an anchor technique, which includes a final scar around the areolar, down the middle of the breast, and along the entire breast fold.
During your initial consultation at our Portland office, we will discuss your surgical plan in detail, explain the recommended course of treatment, and answer any questions you may have about your care.
The degree of sagging you are experiencing may determine the best option for your treatment. Portland patients can learn more about ptosis and breast lift surgery by contacting Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons online or by phone at (503) 783-0544.
