Bulletin Board for Patient's Questions and Answers
Breast Ptosis (drooping breast) - Mastopexy

Explore what others have to say about breast ptosis (drooping breast) / mastopexy with answers by Dr. Michael Bermant, MD.

Michael Bermant, MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

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This is the page where you can review questions and stories from patients, view the opinions of lay persons, and see answers from Dr. Bermant and other physicians. Do you want to ask a question, post an answer, or make a comment? Information E-mailed to me will be considered for posting.

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Information posted in this section does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Dr. Bermant.

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Subj: Re: breast ptosis

Hi!

I am seriously considering breast lift surgery. I am 40 years old and have had two children. My weight is normal to below normal in range. After the surgery, excluding pregnancy and with minimal weight gain, is there any way to slow the sagging process? After surgery (monetary expenses, etc) I would like to find a way to preserve the youthful look of my figure. Would wearing a supportive bra 24 hours a day help at all?

Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Dr. Bermant responds:

Breasts sag due to gravity, the expansion / contraction with pregnancy, stretching of the suspensory tissues and aging skin. As the glands atrophy after hormones have changed, the breast also tend to flatten.

Unless you sleep standing up, a support bra should not really help long term to prevent further sagging at night. Taking care of yourself, using a support bra during the day and vigorous activities limit this problem to a certain degree. We do not have enough information if the weightless conditions of space may be of benefit or if other factors become issues. Time will tell, but only few are getting only limited exposure to this option so far.

I hope this information proves of some use. If my office can be of further assistance, please let us know. We can be reached at: (804) 748-7737. My staff and I try to ensure the comfort of our out of town guests during their consultations and procedures.

Michael Bermant, MD

Subj: Re: droopy breasts

Dear Dr. Bermant,

I am 20 years old and also have droopy breasts. I am going to school to be a dietician and then plan to get more into physical fitness. I am not interested in surgery, but am hoping that you could recommend some exercises that could build up the muscle to firm the area. I've read that anything that works the pectorals will help but I have not noticed a difference.

I understand that this may not be your specialty, but since you deal with this in general you might offer some help. I'm only 5-1 and weigh 108 so it's extremely akward for me to sag in just that area. If you could offer any assistance I would truley appreciate it.

Thank You,

Dr. Bermant responds:

I wish there were other options. Most breast ptosis (droopy breasts) is from loose skin / suspensory ligamentous tissue. The only non surgical methods I have read about were in science fiction novels. External support and less gravity may help lessen the problem getting worse. Nothing that I know of improves the situation without surgery.

Michael Bermant, MD

Subj: Re: Mastopexy

Dear Dr. Bermant;

First I would like to say that I am in the medical profession, and find this web page just marvelous. Thank you.

I am at present G4 P3 one on the way and due in June/ 1998.

Question #1. I have been in need of mastopexy since my first child, but knew that more little ones were on the way. This one, however, will be our last. I do intend to breast feed again, and will discontinue at approximately 8-9 months of age. How long after Discontinuing breastfeeding should I anticipate starting to work on having this repair? We have been planning for this for some time.

Question#2 I noticed a lot of ladies inquiring about doing the mastopexy w/o breasts implants, What if you do want the implants? Is there a difference in the outcome?

Thanks again for your service,

Sincerely,

Dr. Bermant responds:

Breasts tend to shrink after milk production stops as the glands have enlarged to do their job creating milk. I usually recommend waiting for the breasts to loose their increased size after milk stimulation has stopped. You can start the learning process now and find a surgeon you feel comfortable with.

Breast implants usually are thought not to cause a problem as part of a mastopexy. However the entire implant crisis was continued without scientific evidence that they were bad. A discussion of risks, benefits and alternative methods of care when implants are involved are beyond what can be done on the web and are better handled in a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Michael Bermant, MD

Subj: Re: breast ptosis

I'm an 18 student in college and I have had saggy breasts since I began puberty. I believe that this problem is due to the fact that I matured very quickly gained some weight and then lost in all in a matter of a few months. I would very much like to retain my breast size but rid my breasts of the horrible stretch marks, huge nipples and saggyness. I now wear a size 36-38C bra. My main concern is scarring. What will the procedures entail, where will the scarring be most likely to remain and what is the duration of surgery, healing and consultation process? Thank you for your time.

Dr. Bermant responds:

Sagging breasts can be improved by various surgical methods depending on the deformity, size of the breasts, and other factors. The scars depend on the three dimensional change that needs to take place and can be as minimal as scars about the areola, or more extensive extending to the chest and under the breasts. Most breast ptosis correction are somewhere in between. You need a consultation and evaluation to start your education process and find what options are available, what is realistic and what is not possible. Your questions essentially could end up with an entire book written in an attempt to answer, an evaluation and examination would help define the issues and let me or your surgeon have a better defined starting point. My consultations generally last about 1 hour for breast ptosis.

Michael Bermant, MD

Bermant Plastic Surgery
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