What does sagging breasts look like?

For young women, under normal circumstances, the level of the nipple is above the fold under the breast. If it falls below it, it is the so-called sagging breasts.

Breast sagging measurement range: Slight sagging: The lower pole of the breast exceeds the fold under the breast by 1-2cm

Mild to moderate laxity: The lower pole of the breast extends 2-3 cm beyond the inframammary wrinkle

Moderate to severe laxity: The lower pole of the breast extends 4-10 cm beyond the inframammary wrinkle

Extremely moderate to severe sagging: The lower pole of the breast extends more than 10 cm beyond the inframammary wrinkle

There are generally three types of breast sagging shapes: spindle-shaped breast sagging, triangular-shaped breast sagging and buffalo-horn-shaped breast sagging.

Fusiform breast ptosis is a type of breast ptosis characterized by a decrease in the thickness of the breast base. The annular coronal plane at the base of the breast is lower than the coronal plane at the distal end of the breast, resembling a spindle, so it is called spindle-shaped breast ptosis. This type of breast ptosis deformity is caused by the herniation of breast tissue into the subcutaneous tissue in the nipple area, and is often combined with large areola syndrome. It is common in young women after weaning.

The whole breast is flat, like a triangular bandana hanging on the sternum, hence the name. The coronal plane of the breast base is long oval, the longitudinal diameter of the breast exceeds the thick diameter, and there is no obvious herniation of breast tissue into the subcutaneous tissue in the nipple area. It is common in middle-aged and elderly women, especially postmenopausal women.

In buffalo horn-shaped breast ptosis, the coronal plane of the base end of the breast and the distal coronal plane are basically the same, or the distal side is slightly smaller, the longitudinal diameter of the breast is longer, the nipple is located at the exit of the breast, and the shape is like a buffalo horn. The fiber and fat tissue in the breast are relatively increased, the mammary tissue is less, the breast feels higher density, and the skin elasticity is good. This type of breast ptosis is common in young women.

According to the causes of breast sagging, it can be divided into the following three categories

Breast sagging after weight loss: It is mainly caused by the relaxation of fat tissue and skin in the breast after weight loss. Common in young women.

Breast sagging in the elderly: The various functions of the elderly decline to a certain extent, and their endocrine functions also decline. Sagging breasts in the elderly.

Breast sagging after weaning: After breastfeeding stops, due to the decrease of estrogen, the mammary alveolar ducts, glandular ducts and fat tissue are shrunk, while the skin and supporting tissue are relatively more, resulting in breast sagging. [3]

According to the anatomical characteristics of the breasts, breast sagging can be divided into four types:

Pathological relaxation

Hidden relaxation

Glandular relaxation

Abnormal breast metabolism