Aesthetic surgery · Body, breast and appearance

Breast ptosis

Understand breast drooping, how it changes and correction options.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Breast ptosis is downward displacement of breast tissue and the nipple as skin and supporting tissues stretch.

The nipple may sit lower or point downwards, with loose skin, asymmetry or irritation in the fold.

Age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, major weight change, gravity, skin quality and genetics contribute.

Assessment reviews onset, symptoms, impact and expectations, examines the area and checks for a medical cause that should be treated first.

Tests are not routine; imaging, blood tests or specialist review are selected when a change is new, painful, asymmetrical or unusual.

It may progress over time and change after another pregnancy or weight change.

A supportive bra may improve comfort; mastopexy reshapes the breast but leaves scars and cannot prevent later change.

Seek assessment if the concern persists, affects function or strongly affects wellbeing, to discuss benefits, limits, alternatives and risks.

A recent one-sided change, lump, new retraction, bloody discharge or skin change should be assessed promptly.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.