Inframammary Fold (IMF)

The inframammary fold (IMF) is a defined crease or ligamentous attachment at the lower boundary of the breast where the skin and deeper tissues adhere to the chest wall. Its location, firmness, and symmetry vary between individuals and change with factors such as breast size, ptosis (sagging), prior surgery, weight fluctuations, and aging; together these characteristics help determine the overall breast contour and the distance from the nipple to the fold.

In clinical practice the IMF is an important landmark for planning breast procedures including augmentation, lift (mastopexy), reduction, and reconstruction because it influences incision choice, implant pocket position, and the aesthetic lower pole of the breast. Surgical alteration or malposition of the IMF can lead to visible issues such as high-riding implants, double-bubble deformity, or asymmetry, and may require targeted techniques to release, recreate, or secure the fold during primary or revision operations to achieve a balanced result.