Breast Lift (Ptosis Correction) — Methods by Grade

When the nipple sits lower than the inframammary fold, this is called breast ptosis (sagging breast). In severe cases of breast ptosis, the skin at the inframammary fold area can become chafed and damp, which may not be hygienic. Because the appropriate method for correcting sagging breasts depends on the degree of ptosis, it is important to first determine your own degree of sagging.

One thing to keep in mind in advance is that any surgery involving an incision will leave some degree of scarring. This article summarizes the grading of breast ptosis and the available correction methods. You can find more about the surgeon on the About the Doctor page.

How is the degree of breast sagging classified?

Breast ptosis is generally classified into three grades. Grade A is when the nipple sags to about the level of the inframammary fold; Grade B is when it sags below the inframammary fold; and Grade C is when the nipple points almost straight down. Because the appropriate correction method and extent of incision depend on the grade of ptosis, an in-person examination is needed to confirm this.

What is thread lifting, which minimizes incisions?

There are thread-lifting methods such as V-Loc and Silhouette lifting, in which threads are inserted through small needle holes to pull the breast upward. These use dissolvable threads that are absorbed by the body over time, and a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler can be used to supplement volume in the upper breast, as explained by the clinic. V-Loc thread is manufactured by Covidien in the United States and is a suture approved by the U.S. FDA and Korea's KFDA (now the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety); it is available in various thicknesses (6.0–2), absorption periods (non-absorbable, 180 days, 90 days), and can be adjusted up to 60cm in length. It is explained that because its square barbs are not needle-shaped, they create a structure that generates traction force. However, the effect and duration of thread lifting vary by individual, and depending on the degree of ptosis, it may be difficult to apply, so a consultation is necessary.

What incision methods are available?

Surgical methods based on the incision site fall into three categories. First, the half-areola incision, which lifts by making an incision only in the upper portion of the areola. Second, the full areola incision, which lifts by making a 360-degree incision around the areola. Third, the "I"-shaped lift, which adds a straight vertical incision below a 360-degree areola incision, with the incision line lengthening in proportion to how much the nipple is raised. The more severe the sagging, the wider the incision tends to be, and it is essential to understand that surgery will leave some degree of scarring.

Can breast lift and breast augmentation be done at the same time?

When the breasts are small and sagging—particularly after childbirth, when the breasts become smaller and droop—breast augmentation alone can sometimes correct the sagging, and in some cases a lift is performed together with augmentation. Conversely, when the breasts are large, reduction and lifting can be performed together. Which combination is appropriate depends on breast volume, degree of sagging, and skin condition, and results vary by individual. Please plan the method that is right for you through consultation with a specialist. If you have any questions, please reach out via Book a Consultation.

Consultation Information

Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul) · 2F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 02-3416-0070 (after hours 070-4027-0070) · Book a Consultation

This article is provided for informational purposes only, and the effects and recovery period of any surgery or procedure may vary by individual. All medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects, so please consult thoroughly with a specialist.

Procedure Detail Materials

Below are procedure guide materials from the previous website (surgery.co.kr). Before-and-after results may vary by individual, and all medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects.