3 Signs Your Bust is Ready for a Breast Lift

Sagging breasts are a significant concern for many women, especially as they get older or go through hormonal changes. Drooping breast tissue can be uncomfortable, and no matter what those push-up bras promise, they can’t restore a youthful, perky bust. Dr. Chacon at Divino Plastic Surgery offers mastopexy (breast lift) to elevate and tighten the breasts for a higher position on the chest.

If you’re unhappy with your breasts’ position or size, a consultation with our cosmetic surgeon in San Diego can help you determine if breast lift or another breast procedure is right for your needs. However, there are a few signs to help you identify when breast lift may be necessary.

1.    Breast Sagging in Relation to the Breast Crease

Women can identify breast sagging by looking at the side profile of their breasts in the mirror. Take a close look at the crease and where the lower breast, nipple and upper breast sit in relation to that inframammary fold. Breast ptosis (drooping) comes in various degrees and severity. When the bottom of the breast is at or slightly below the crease, there’s little to no sagging tissue. Moderate breast sagging may be present if the lower breast is beneath the crease and the nipple is in line with it. Severe breast ptosis happens when breast tissue droops to the point where the upper breast falls below the breast crease too.

The “Pencil Test” helps women check for breast ptosis at home. Lift the breast, place a pencil in the inframammary fold, then let go of the breast tissue and release the pencil. There is likely some breast sagging if the pencil stays in place.

Breast lift can address moderate to severe breast ptosis using various methods. The procedure removes excess tissue and tightens the underlying structures for a higher bust.

2.    Nipple Size, Placement and Direction

The areolas and nipples may stretch with gravity and hormones during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. These changes make the pigmented portion (areola) around the nipple disproportionate to the breast tissue. Breast drooping also impacts the location of the nipples and where they point. Nipples that point outward are a sign of youthful breasts, but nipples pointing down toward the ground signal breast ptosis.

Breast lift can reduce the nipple size and relocates the tissue to a higher position for a perky breast shape. This breast surgery can be done with a breast reduction for women with overly large, drooping breasts that are disproportionate to their body shape.

3.    Breast Deflation

Drooping breasts can appear deflated, meaning the upper portion of the breast slopes inward due to volume loss and sagging tissue. Breast deflation is common after pregnancy and menopause or weight loss. Breast lift can restore a graceful slope to the breast and combining the procedure with breast augmentation can restore fullness.

If you notice any of these concerns with your breasts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chacon today to learn more about breast lift. Contact Divino Plastic Surgery by calling (858) 633-7546 or filling out our online form.