Breast ptosis (classification)

Breast ptosis describes the sagging or drooping of the breast. The nipple-areola complex normally sits above the level of the infra-mammary fold in the young breast. Regnault described a classification system for ptosis that remains useful for planning surgery:

• first degree: nipple at the level of the infra-mammary fold
• second degree: nipple below the level of the infra-mammary fold but above the level of the most dependent (inferior) part of the breast contour
• third degree: nipple below the level of the infra-mammary fold and sitting at the most dependent, inferior part of the breast contour

Additionally, a condition termed pseudo-ptosis has been defined as a loose breast that looks ptotic from a distance, but the nipple remains above the level of the infra-mammary fold.

Ref: (1) Regnault P. Breast ptosis. Definition and treatment. Clin Plast Surg 1976;3(2):193-203.