The standard work up for patients presenting with complaints of ptosis of the breast is as follows: Measurement of ptosis, digital photography, assessment of skin envelope, history of breast disease/imaging/cancer/other lesions, medical history, smoking history. Goals in terms of nipple position, volume, scar location, type of implant versus autologous fat. Fat grafting for correction of ptosis is a relatively new technique for correction of breast contour and shape deformities. It is impossible without photos to know for sure but typically a mastopexy of some type is more commonly used in this application. Risks like fat necrosis, altered mammography, incomplete graft take, and possible injury to implant or need for revision should be discussed. I have never had them develop this outcome where the breast needed to be debrided. I believe that it is very likely that this patient could have has a better outcome if the care rendered had been different.
Expert Bio
This board certified plastic surgeon, practicing for more than 10 years, focuses on all areas of plastic surgery including breast surgery, other forms of aesthetic surgery, reconstruction surgery, and hand surgery. Fellowship trained at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, he is an Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at a top university medical center in Missouri and is currently the President of the St. Louis Area Plastic Surgeons. He is the author of over 60 peer-reviewed research articles, textbook chapters, and has been a featured presenter at national and international plastic surgical and medical conferences.
