Ptosis (breasts)

Breast ptosis
Other namesCooper's droop[1]
SpecialtyPlastic surgery
TreatmentMastopexy

Ptosis or sagging of the female breast is a natural consequence of aging. The rate at which a woman's breasts drop and the degree of ptosis depends on many factors. The key factors influencing breast ptosis over a woman's lifetime are cigarette smoking, her number of pregnancies, higher body mass index, larger bra cup size, and significant weight change.[2][3] Post-menopausal women or people with collagen deficiencies may experience increased ptosis due to a loss of skin elasticity. Many women and medical professionals mistakenly believe that breastfeeding increases sagging. It is also commonly believed that the breast itself offers insufficient support and that wearing a bra prevents sagging, which has not been found to be true.[4]

Plastic surgeons categorize the degree of ptosis by evaluating the position of the nipple relative to the infra-mammary fold, the point at which the underside of the breasts attach to the chest wall. In the most advanced stage, the nipples are below the fold and point toward the ground.

  1. ^ "The Nation: Cooper's Droop". Time Magazine. 14 February 1972. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference thompson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Stuart, Julia (November 2, 2000). "Don't burn your bra just yet". The Independent. Archived from the original on 17 July 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2012.