Ptosis (breasts)

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Ptosis (breasts)
Synonyms	Breast sagging, breast droop
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Sagging of the breasts
Complications	Back pain, Skin irritation
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Aging, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Weight loss, Genetics
Risks	Smoking, Obesity, Large breast size
Diagnosis	Physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Breast cancer, Mastitis
Prevention	Supportive bras, Healthy lifestyle
Treatment	Mastopexy, Breast lift surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Ptosis (breasts) is a term used to describe the sagging or drooping of the breasts. This condition can occur as a result of aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and gravity. The severity of breast ptosis is determined by the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold, the point at which the underside of the breasts attach to the chest wall.

File:Diseases of infancy and childhood (1914) (14791818933).jpg

Diseases of infancy and childhood (1914)

Causes

Breast ptosis is primarily caused by the aging process, during which the Cooper's ligaments (the connective tissue that suspends the breast) stretch and lose elasticity. Other factors that contribute to breast ptosis include pregnancy, breastfeeding, rapid weight loss, gravity, and certain genetic factors.

Classification

There are several methods for classifying the degree of ptosis, including the Regnault ptosis scale and the four-tier ptosis scale. The Regnault ptosis scale classifies ptosis into three grades: Grade I (mild), Grade II (moderate), and Grade III (severe). The four-tier ptosis scale includes pseudoptosis, grade I, grade II, and grade III.

Treatment

Treatment for breast ptosis depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's personal preferences. Non-surgical treatments include the use of supportive bras or bra inserts. Surgical treatments include mastopexy (breast lift), breast augmentation, or a combination of both.

See also

• Mammaplasty
• Breast reduction
• Breast implant