Breast sagging (known at breast ptosis) is caused by a loss of skin elasticity. There are several causes of breast sagging to include breastfeeding, pregnancy, weight loss, and the natural aging process. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus can correct breast sagging with a breast lift and, if desired, restore volume using breast augmentation with implants.
What causes breast sagging?
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding the breasts enlarge due to hormonal changes and weight gain. Even if you don’t breastfeed, the increase in breast size and then decrease after pregnancy leads to a stretching of the breast skin and breast sagging.
- Genetics: Some women have a predisposition to breast sagging and stretch marks
- Weight Loss: With weight loss, the breast loses volume and the skin may not be able to retract enough. This also leads to sagging breasts.
- Aging: Over time, environmental factors, gravity, and hormonal changes lead to loss of breast skin elasticity and support.
Degrees of Breast Sagging
Breast sagging occurs to a different extent with each woman. Depending on the amount of ptosis, the treatment may differ. One way to assess your level of sagging is to take notice of where your nipple is in position to your breast crease when looking at your reflection straight ahead in the mirror.
Grade 1 ptosis
Your nipple is at the level of your inframammary breast crease or just below.
Grade 2 ptosis
Your nipple is below your breast crease.
Grade 3 ptosis
Your nipple points straight down to the floor.
Pseudoptosis
Your nipple is in a good position but most of your breast tissue is below your crease and you have a flattened appearance.
What are my surgical options for sagging breasts?
Breast Lift
During a breast lift, your Restore SD Plastic Surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the breast tissue as well as reposition your nipple to a more aesthetically pleasing height on your chest.
Breast Augmentation
If just a small amount of sagging is present, and your goal is to have a natural-appearing result, your Restore SD Plastic Surgeon may place a breast implant—either silicone gel or saline. Breast augmentation will correct a small amount of ptosis and restore volume.
Breast Lift with Augmentation
Often, women are faced with the decision to have a breast lift or a breast lift combined with breast implants – the combination known as augmentation-mastopexy or breast augmentation with lift. Breast augmentation is an excellent way to add volume to drooping breasts, but breast implants do not always adequately address excess skin. Breast enhancement using a combination of breast lift and implants can provide a dramatic result by restoring fullness, improving the overall breast shape, and optimizing breast position.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover often includes breast surgery. If you have more than one area of your body that you would like to fix and that includes your breasts, you’re in good company. We regularly combine our breast procedures with liposuction, tummy tuck, and other procedures in order to meet your goals.
“I have never felt so much support and love from a plastic surgeon office (I have been to a few.)…I am so happy with my results and will always refer Dr. Gallus and her team to everyone I know. She changed my life and I will be forever grateful!!!”
——A. E., actual patient of Dr. Gallus
As you consider options to enhance your breast size and shape, doing your homework and educating yourself about the breast lift and breast augmentation options in San Diego is essential. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, our team partners with you to customize a treatment plan that is individualized to your body, aesthetic goals, and timeline. We also offer imaging with the Vectra 3D imaging system to assist in your decision-making process as well as a reduced opioid recovery pathway. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus is committed to patient safety and is both certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as being a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Call 858-224-2281 or contact us online to book your breast enhancement consultation today!
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Feb 5, 2025
