In Which Cases Can Sagging Breasts Be Improved with Implants Alone?

Among those who come in for breast surgery consultations, many have a slim body type or want to improve volume. In particular, many people are also concerned about sagging breasts in addition to improving volume. Breast sagging can occur for various reasons.

The most representative cause is a loss of elasticity due to aging. In addition, poor lifestyle habits, pregnancy, childbirth, and changes caused by breastfeeding can also lead to breast sagging. During pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes and weight gain increase the glandular tissue and fat, and then after breastfeeding, as body weight gradually decreases, breast tissue also decreases. If the skin and soft tissue do not regain their elasticity during this process, breast sagging may appear.

Main Causes of Breast Sagging

1. Loss of elasticity due to aging

2. Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding

3. Rapid weight changes

4. Lifestyle habits

If the skin elasticity is good and the size has not changed much, the condition may gradually recover. However, in most cases, once the skin has stretched, it is difficult for it to naturally contract, leading to sagging symptoms. Even if it is not due to pregnancy and childbirth, similar symptoms can appear after rapid weight loss from dieting.

Source: TS Plastic Surgery website

Breast tissue is located above the pectoralis major muscle, and is supported by various ligaments and soft tissues. When the breasts sag, these structures also stretch, so if correction is needed, it may be helpful to consult with a medical professional to determine the appropriate method.

Classification of Sagging Breasts

Source: TS Plastic Surgery website

Breast sagging can appear in different degrees and shapes, so there are various surgical methods for improvement. In general, the degree of breast sagging is classified into three grades: mild grade 1 ptosis, moderate grade 2 ptosis, and severe grade 3 ptosis. The surgical method and the expected degree of improvement vary depending on the severity of the sagging.

Sagging Breasts That Can Be Improved with Implants Alone

Depending on the degree and shape of breast sagging, a breast lift may be necessary. However, in some cases, implant insertion alone can add volume and reduce the appearance of sagging.

In particular, when breast volume is insufficient, the breasts may appear saggy even if they are not actually sagging. In such cases, the lower part of the breast is relatively stretched around the nipple, and the inframammary fold is positioned higher.

Also, if the sagging is mild, some improvement can be expected through implant insertion. In general, this applies when the sagging feeling is reduced when the arms are raised to the side, and when the nipples are not pointing downward.

The surgical method for breast sagging may vary depending on the degree of sagging, the expected level of improvement, and postoperative scarring. To choose a more suitable method, it is necessary to evaluate the current condition through a medical professional’s diagnosis.

TS Plastic Surgery - Breast surgery performed / Implants: Motiva 340cc on both left and right

Sagging Breast Implant Surgery

TS Plastic Surgery - Breast surgery performed / Implants: Motiva 360cc on both left and right

To improve sagging breasts with implants alone, it is important to plan the surgery so that the upper part of the breast does not become excessively stretched and the sagging lower part is lifted as much as possible. Implants with larger volume and a more projected shape may be more favorable for correcting sagging, and the skin stretches to accommodate the inserted implant. However, when choosing an implant, it is necessary to fully consider factors such as the individual’s chest size and body type, so simply selecting a large implant is not appropriate. Before surgery, it is necessary to consult with the medical team about the implant size and shape through measurements.

During surgery, when lying on the operating table, the effect of gravity is reduced, so the sagging may appear less noticeable. If the surgeon lacks experience, even if the implant position is adjusted while the patient is lying down, in reality the implant may remain higher and the breast tissue lower, meaning the sagging may not be sufficiently improved. Therefore, whether sagging breasts can be improved with implants alone must be determined through detailed preoperative measurements and diagnosis. Issues related to surgery, such as the degree of improvement in sagging or the possibility of scarring, can be confirmed through thorough consultation with the medical team.

※ Because side effects such as inflammation, bleeding, and nerve damage may occur depending on the individual, sufficient consultation with the medical team before surgery is necessary.

This is an example image provided to help understanding.