Breast sagging refers to the loss of elasticity and support of the breasts due to various reasons, which causes the breast tissue and areola to move downward, affecting the appearance and aesthetic effect of the breasts. Breast sagging is not only one of the common physiological phenomena in women, but also an important reason why many women choose plastic surgery. In order to accurately diagnose the degree of breast sagging, clinicians need to adopt a variety of professional diagnostic methods. This article will introduce in detail the common diagnostic methods of breast sagging, including visual assessment, clinical grading, imaging examination, etc.
1. Visual Assessment
Initial diagnosis of breast sagging is usually done through visual assessment, where the doctor determines whether the breasts are sagging based on the patient's standing posture, the appearance of the chest, and the shape of the breasts. Although this method is intuitive, it still needs to be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods to fully understand the condition of the breasts.
During the visual assessment, the physician needs to pay special attention to the following aspects:
Nipple position : Where the nipple is located on the breast and whether it is lower than the lower edge of the breast.
Breast contour : Is there any noticeable sagging or indentation in the upper part of the breast?
The overall shape of the breasts : whether the breasts are sagging overall and whether there is a clear contrast with other parts (such as the armpits or abdomen).
2. Clinical grading
In order to systematically evaluate the degree of breast sagging, the medical community has adopted different breast sagging grading methods, the most common of which are the Petrova grading and the Regnault grading . These two grading methods help doctors quantify the degree of breast sagging by systematically evaluating the position of the nipple and the contour of the breast.
Petrova grading system : Breast ptosis is divided into four grades according to the vertical distance between the nipple and the lower edge of the breast:
Grade I (mild ptosis) : The distance between the nipple and the lower edge of the breast is approximately half the thickness of the breast, and the breast contour is still well maintained.
Grade II (moderate ptosis) : The distance between the nipple and the lower edge of the breast is large, but the nipple is still above the lower edge of the breast, and the breast contour is obviously loose.
Grade III (severe ptosis) : The nipple is located below the lower edge of the breast, the breast contour is obviously collapsed, and the breast tissue sags to the armpit or abdominal area.
Grade IV (extremely severe ptosis) : The breasts are completely sagging, the nipple is located at or below the lower edge of the breast, and the breast tissue has completely lost its elasticity and support.
Regnault grading method : According to the degree of breast sagging, breast morphology is divided into four grades, focusing on the position of the nipple, the sagging of the breast tissue and the degree of depression of the upper part of the breast. This grading method is particularly effective for the assessment of moderate to severe sagging.
3. Measurement of the distance from the nipple to the lower edge of the breast
One of the common assessment indicators of breast sagging is the distance between the nipple and the lower edge of the breast. This measurement can be directly measured with a ruler or assisted by imaging methods. Generally speaking, the greater the distance between the nipple and the lower edge of the breast, the more severe the degree of breast sagging.
Usually, doctors will make clinical grading based on this indicator, and comprehensively assess the degree of breast sagging by combining other factors such as the patient's breast contour and the degree of looseness of breast tissue.
4. Elasticity test of breast tissue
The elasticity of breast tissue is crucial to the supporting function of the breasts. With the increase of age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other factors, the elasticity of breast tissue gradually decreases, leading to sagging breasts. The elasticity test is to evaluate the degree of looseness of breast tissue by palpating and pressing the breast tissue.
During palpation, the doctor will gently press the breast to evaluate the elasticity of the breast tissue. Breast tissue with poor elasticity is prone to sagging and has poor ability to restore elasticity. Through elasticity testing, the doctor can understand the state of the breast tissue and provide a reference for subsequent treatment plans.
5. Imaging examination
Imaging examinations are important for the diagnosis of breast ptosis, especially for patients with complex breast morphology or suspected other breast problems. Common imaging examination methods include breast ultrasound, breast X-ray (breast mammography) and MRI.
Breast ultrasound : Through ultrasound examination, doctors can evaluate the structure of breast tissue, the distribution of breast glands, and whether there are lumps or other abnormalities in the breast. For patients with sagging breasts, ultrasound examination can also help confirm the degree of looseness of breast tissue.
Mammography (breast molybdenum target examination) : This examination can clearly show the structure of breast tissue. Especially for older women, mammography can effectively detect breast diseases and avoid missed diagnosis.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) : MRI examinations are usually used in more complex cases, especially when breast lesions or breast structural abnormalities need to be further clarified. MRI can provide detailed images of breast tissue and help evaluate the condition of breast tissue.
6. Breast morphology analysis
In addition to traditional visual assessment and clinical grading, advances in modern medical technology have made three-dimensional morphological analysis of the breast gradually become an important diagnostic tool. Through three-dimensional scanners or three-dimensional imaging technology, doctors can perform quantitative analysis of the shape, volume, symmetry, etc. of the breast. These data can not only help doctors diagnose the degree of breast sagging, but also customize personalized treatment plans for patients.
7. Assessment of symptoms related to breast ptosis
Breast sagging is often accompanied by some symptoms, such as breast pain, heaviness, chest discomfort, etc. By evaluating the patient's symptoms, the doctor can further understand the severity of breast sagging and determine whether surgical treatment is needed. In addition, the patient's subjective feelings are equally important for the diagnosis of breast sagging.
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Breast sagging is a common physiological phenomenon that may be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, etc. Through scientific diagnostic methods, doctors can accurately assess the degree of breast sagging and provide patients with appropriate treatment recommendations. When facing the problem of breast sagging, patients should choose a professional doctor for evaluation and decide whether to undergo surgery or other treatments based on their own needs to achieve the ideal breast shape.