[Breast ptosis. Classification and summary of surgical indications]

A general classification of ptotic breasts is proposed by the author in four main groups. 1) Precocious ptotic breasts including ptosis because of anomalies of skin elasticity and primary morphological ptotic aspects of the breast. 2) Ptotic breast as a result of excess of volume due to early hyperplasia, because of excess weight (around puberty, around pregnancy, around menopause). 3) Acquired ptotic small or long breast by fibrous retraction, or after weight loss. 4) Asymmetric ptotic breast, either primary, presenting at puberty or secondary presenting around pregnancy or after weight variations, or iatrogenic. An approach to the morphological analysis of each type of ptosis includes evaluation of skin quality, glandular density, relation between both. The role of weight stability is also discussed before a brief summary of the author's choice of techniques.