Assessment and diagnosis of ptosis
Breast ptosis refers to the change in the position of the breast due to the relaxation of breast tissue and skin. It is usually manifested as the nipple being located below the breast and the breast losing its original fullness. Breast ptosis not only affects women's appearance, but may also cause discomfort and psychological distress. With the increase of age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other physiological processes, breast ptosis is a common problem. This article will discuss the evaluation and diagnosis methods of breast ptosis and provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
Causes of sagging breasts
The occurrence of breast sagging is affected by many factors, mainly including the following aspects:
Natural aging : As we age, skin elasticity decreases, breast tissue gradually shrinks, and the supporting structure of the breast becomes loose, causing breast sagging.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding : During pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast tissue undergoes dramatic changes, increasing the size of the breasts. However, as breastfeeding ends, the breast tissue shrinks. This process may cause the breasts to lose their original firmness.
Weight fluctuations : Rapid weight gain or loss can cause breast tissue to shrink or expand, which can affect the shape and position of the breasts.
Genetic factors : Some women are born with looser breast tissue, which makes their breasts more likely to sag.
Bad living habits : wearing inappropriate underwear for a long time and lack of proper chest exercises may aggravate breast sagging.
Other factors : Long-term gravity, endocrine disorders, smoking, etc. are also considered potential factors for breast sagging.
Clinical manifestations of breast ptosis
The symptoms of breast sagging vary from person to person, and common clinical manifestations include:
Changes in breast position : Nipple drooping, breasts move from their original upright position to downward, creating a feeling of looseness.
Changes in breast appearance : The breasts lose their fullness and may appear partially hollow, with more wrinkles under the breasts.
Changes in the position of the nipple and areola : the nipple droops, the areola becomes larger, and there may be mild areola pigmentation or areola relaxation.
Discomfort : Severe sagging of the breasts may cause pain or discomfort in the shoulders and back, especially when wearing bras, which may cause discomfort due to lack of support.
How to evaluate breast ptosis
The evaluation of breast ptosis includes appearance examination, palpation, imaging examination and other means, aiming to determine the degree and influencing factors of breast ptosis. The commonly used evaluation methods are as follows:
1. Clinical physical examination
Clinicians evaluate the appearance, shape, and sagging of the breasts through a detailed physical examination. During the examination, the patient is usually required to take off his or her top and is observed in different positions such as standing, sitting, or lying. The doctor will make detailed records of the size, shape, skin laxity, and height and position of the nipples of the breasts.
2. Breast ptosis classification
There are multiple grading standards for breast sagging. Common grading methods include the following:
Assessment of skin sagging and breast position : By visually observing the degree of breast sagging, it is determined whether the position of the nipple is lower than the breast fold line. The classification can be:
Grade I : The nipple is located above the breast fold line and the breast shape is well maintained.
Grade II : The nipple is at or slightly below the breast crease line.
Grade III : The nipple is below the breast fold line and the breast is obviously sagging.
Grading methods in the literature : Breast ptosis is often assessed based on the relative position of the nipple to the lower edge of the breast, using methods such as the Léonard grading method and the Regnault grading method .
3. Breast imaging
Although the diagnosis of breast ptosis relies on physical examination in most cases, in some cases, imaging examinations can help further evaluate the health of breast tissue and rule out the possibility of other diseases. Commonly used imaging examination methods include:
Mammography (x-ray of the breast): Used to assess the density of breast tissue, breast health, and to detect lumps.
Ultrasound examination : Ultrasound is used to evaluate the density and morphology of breast tissue, especially for the presence of breast nodules and lumps, which has a high diagnostic value.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : Used for detailed evaluation of breast structure, especially in patients with breast lesions.
4. Breast self-examination
Breast self-examination is an important method to assess breast health. Although it cannot directly diagnose breast sagging, it can help women regularly detect breast changes and detect possible lesions in a timely manner. When self-examining, women should pay attention to whether the breasts have abnormalities such as asymmetry, lumps, nodules, etc., and observe whether the nipples have discharge or deformation.
Diagnostic criteria for breast ptosis
The diagnosis of breast ptosis not only relies on clinical examination, but also needs to be combined with the patient's medical history, appearance assessment and related imaging examination results. When diagnosing, the doctor needs to rule out other diseases that may cause breast changes, such as breast lumps, mastitis, etc. At the same time, the doctor also needs to understand the patient's specific needs in order to provide personalized suggestions on treatment plans.
Diagnostic criteria for breast ptosis usually include:
Age factors : As you age, the elasticity of breast tissue and skin decreases, increasing the risk of sagging breasts.
Postpartum changes : After childbirth, especially during lactation, the enlargement and atrophy of the mammary glands may lead to sagging breasts.
Breast symmetry : Breast ptosis is usually symmetrical, but if the breasts are obviously asymmetrical, further evaluation is needed to determine whether there is breast disease.
Breast exam results : If breast exam results show abnormalities such as lumps, calcifications, etc., further screening for breast lesions may be necessary.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Breast sagging is a common physiological phenomenon, which is affected by many factors. It is very important to evaluate the degree of breast sagging and the discomfort it may cause in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan. For women whose quality of life is affected by breast sagging, non-surgical or surgical methods can be considered to improve breast morphology. The diagnosis of breast sagging should be based on a detailed evaluation by a professional doctor to ensure targeted and effective treatment.