Breast surgery to lift sagging breasts

Dr Arie Azuelos' blog in Paris

Breast surgery is an increasingly common procedure, and for good reason: many women are looking to restore the firmness of their breasts, which have been affected by factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or the natural effects of ageing. These changes can lead to breast ptosis, the medical term for sagging breasts.

What are sagging breasts?

A breast is considered to be drooping when the nipple lies at or below the submammary fold, losing its original position and shape. This phenomenon is often accompanied by a loss of breast volume and tone.

Why do some women have sagging breasts and others don't?

Several factors influence breast ptosis. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, genetics, weight variations and certain lifestyles (smoking) are all contributing factors. Not all women are equal when it comes to this phenomenon, due to these many variables.

How to correct sagging breasts

Correcting breast ptosis is a common challenge in cosmetic surgery. The breast lift addresses sagging breasts and aims to lift and reshape the breasts to restore a more youthful, toned appearance.

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure designed to lift sagging breasts. The procedure involves removing excess skin and re-tensioning the remaining tissue to restore firmness. The surgeon may also reposition the nipple and areola so that they are in better harmony with the new shape of the breast. This type of operation is ideal for patients who are satisfied with their breast volume but wish to correct sagging and improve the shape.

In some cases, breast ptosis is accompanied by a significant loss of volume or asymmetry. In these situations, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation, where either implants or lipofilling are used to restore or increase breast volume. This combination not only lifts the breasts, but also restores their volume, offering a more complete aesthetic result.

These procedures are tailored to the specific needs of each patient, taking into account the severity of ptosis, individual preferences in terms of size and shape, and general health conditions. The result is a more contoured and rejuvenated bust, reflecting a more youthful and dynamic contour.

What other defects can be associated with sagging breasts?

Breast ptosis can often coexist with other breast anomalies, requiring a global surgical approach.

Hypotrophic breasts

Breast hypotrophy refers to insufficient breast volume. Women with both ptosis and breast hypotrophy can benefit from breast augmentation in conjunction with a facelift. Breast augmentation, using implants or fat injections (breast lipofilling), provides the desired volume, while a facelift repositions the breasts for a firmer, higher appearance.

Breast hypertrophy

On the other hand, breast hypertrophy involves excessive volume of the breasts, which can cause physical discomfort, such as back and neck pain. In these cases, breast reduction can be combined with mastopexy. This procedure removes excess breast tissue and skin, lightening the weight of the breasts and lifting them for a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing result.

Breast asymmetry

Breast asymmetry is another common challenge, where the two breasts differ in size, shape or position. This condition can be corrected during mastopexy by adjusting each breast individually, either by removing or adding tissue, or by using implants of different sizes to achieve optimal symmetry.

What is covered by social security for sagging breasts?

In France, some breast surgery operations may be partially covered by the Social Security system, depending on specific criteria such as the severity of the ptosis or the underlying medical reasons. It is important to discuss this with your surgeon, Dr Arié Azuelos, to assess your case and discuss the options for financial coverage.