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Ptosis

By Natalie Kita, About.com

Updated: January 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: sagging of the skin caused by aging, weight loss, or a variety of other factors. The term is used in the general medical establishment to refer to drooping of the eyelid. However, in plastic surgery, the term is commonly used to describe sagging of the skin anywhere on the face, breasts, or body. The focus of many plastic surgery procedures is to correct or reduce this sagging.

source: University of Michigan Surgery Department website's Plastic Surgery Glossary

Pronunciation: (TOH-sis)
Also Known As: laxity
Examples: Due to the amount of ptosis of the breast, a lift is recommended in conjuction with augmentation.
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