Aesthetic breasts are covered by crisp and elastic skin devoid of wrinkles, occupy an optimal position on the chest wall and are of proportionate size. There is a good volume distribution between the upper and lower poles, and this confers a pleasing silhouette when viewed from the front and the sides. When viewed from the side, the upper pole of the breast is a gentle slope rising from the upper chest wall, and the lower pole is convex in shape ending in the inframammary fold (IMF). Beautiful breasts project the image of youth, confidence, elegance and femininity.
Breast ptosis (droopy breasts) manifest as breast gland and nipple-areola complex descent below the inframammary fold (IMF). The upper chest becomes hollow and empty and the breast volume lies at or below the IMF. The nipple-areola complex is frequently enlarged.
Droopy breasts may result in accumulation of perspiration in the IMF, leading to problems such as fungal infections, skin irritation and malodour. Individuals with breast ptosis may also experience restrictions in fashion choices. Breast ptosis may affect individuals’ self-confidence and social functioning.
The common causes for breast ptosis include post-lactation involution (shrinkage following cessation of breastfeeding), menopause, and significant weight loss. In normal breasts, fibrous strands (Cooper’s ligaments) attach the gland to the chest wall and prevent their drooping. Breast ptosis is caused by shrinkage of the breast gland and/or subcutaneous fat volume, leading to relative skin excess. The Cooper’s ligaments that previously supported breasts of larger volume do not support this skin excess well. The result is descent of both the breast gland and the overlying skin. Breast gland shrinkage occurs after cessation of breastfeeding and around menopause due to reduction of hormone levels. Menopause is also associated with a drop in progesterone levels leading to deterioration in skin quality.
Individuals with any degree of breast ptosis may obtain effective and long-lasting results with breast ptosis correction surgery. These include:
Breast ptosis correction restores breasts to their youthful and natural position on the chest wall. If desired, volume augmentation of the breasts may also be performed during the same surgery. The nipple-areola complexes are elevated to their normal position and their circumferences are reduced.
Possible treatment options include nipple repositioning, breast augmentation with implant or structural fat grafting, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), or breast augmentation combined with mastopexy (augmentation mastopexy). Accurate assessment and precise technical execution produces natural-looking, elegant, and bespoke outcomes. Breast ptosis correction restores body image, self-confidence and improves social functioning.
Nipple repositioning advances the nipple upwards to create the perception of a lifted breast mound. It is a simple outpatient procedure that may be performed under local anaesthesia.
Individuals with early breast and nipple descent requiring a small degree of vertical nipple-areolar movement may consider nipple repositioning surgery.
Individuals are advised to stop herbal supplements and traditional medicine, and start special medications 7 days prior to surgery to minimize bruising and swelling.
Assessment is performed in the standing position to identify the ideal new nipple-areola complex (NAC) position. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure optimal intra- and post- operative pain relief. The normal breast skin lying in between the current and new NAC is removed, and the NAC advanced vertically upwards. It is then fixed into position using long-lasting deep stitches, and the wound is closed meticulously to give the best postoperative scar appearance.
Mild bruising and swelling is expected after surgery, which will mostly resolve by the 5th postoperative day. Stitch removal is usually performed on the 10th postoperative day. Minor disturbances to the nipple sensation may occur but are temporary.
Showering is possible from the 2nd postoperative day onwards. Strenuous physical activity is avoided for the first 2 weeks postoperatively to minimize swelling and bruising. following the procedure.
Breast ptosis is frequently caused by the loss of breast gland and subcutaneous fat volume. Correction of ptosis may be performed by breast augmentation with implants or structural fat grafting. These procedures elevate the breast by preferentially increasing the volume of the lower pole of the breast. It may be performed as a day surgery procedure under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Individuals with mild to moderate degree of breast ptosis and good skin quality may consider breast augmentation correction of ptosis.
Breast augmentation ptosis correction replaces the lost breast volume following the cessation of breastfeeding, menopause, weight loss, or age. It lifts the overlying skin and nipple-areola complex. The incisions are concealed in naturally inconspicuous areas.
Individuals are advised to stop herbal supplements and traditional medicine, and start special medications 7 days prior to surgery to minimize bruising and swelling.
Implant breast ptosis correction is normally performed through IMF or periareolar incisions and using anatomic (teardrop-shaped) silicone gel implants. Structural fat grafting is another possible option for correction of breast ptosis and is performed through small incisions in the abdomen for fat harvest and in the chest for grafting. Here is a detailed description of fat grafting breast augmentation ptosis correction . Implants usually provide a greater degree of lift than structural fat grafting and may be considered for more severe cases.
Dr Yeo is one of the select plastic surgeons in Singapore who is be able to offer the latest generation of nanotextured Motiva breast implants, as well as all other brands and types of implants.
Our clinic has an en suite operating facility that has MOH certification as an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). This assures your maximal privacy and convenience while keeping facility and equipment costs contained.
Our operating room carries a full range of specialized equipment for breast augmentation, liposuction and structural fat grafting aimed at delivering optimal results.
Mastopexy elevates the breasts to their youthful position on the chest wall and restores their natural forward projection. It removes the excess and loose skin while keeping the scars inconspicuous. It may be performed as a day surgery procedure under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
The following individuals may consider mastopexy:
Mastopexy repositions the breast glands and the nipple-areola complexes to their appropriate youthful position on the chest wall. The surgery restores the natural forward projection by plicating (stitching together) the gland to itself. A variety of well-concealed skin incisions are used to remove the excess skin from the lower breast pole. An individualized approach to mastopexy produces attractive, bespoke and long-lasting outcomes.
Individuals are advised to stop herbal supplements and traditional medicine, and start special medications 7 days prior to surgery to minimize bruising and swelling.
There are many different possible incisions and mastopexy techniques available. The common skin incisions used include:
Mastopexy is a fine art that strikes a balance between tightening and elevation of the breast and skin as separate components but putting them together at the end of surgery for an attractive and durable result.
Mild bruising and swelling is expected after surgery, which will mostly resolve by the 5th postoperative day. Stitch removal usually not required as the stitches are self-dissolving. Minor disturbances to the nipple sensation may occur but are temporary.
Showering is possible from the 2nd postoperative day onwards. Postoperative scar management is instituted to ensure optimal postsurgical result. A support bra may be required for the first 2 months postoperatively to provide support to the inner tissues during wound healing and minimize the long-term recurrence of breast droopiness.
Breast lift is a less commonly performed procedure in Asia and Dr Yeo is experienced in breast reductions because of his work on post-weight loss patients.
Our clinic has an en suite operating facility that has MOH certification as an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). This assures your maximal privacy and convenience while keeping facility and equipment costs contained.