Breast Lift: Q&A

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Is There an Alternative to a Full Mastopexy for Grade 2/3 Ptosis?

My breast size is 34D. I have Grade 2 ptosis MAYBE grade 3. I want to get a breast lift, saline implants & an areola reduction. I DON'T want the vertical scar under my breast so the lollipop lift is really not appealing to me. I got a tummy tuck in '06 & my scar still looks horrible. What other alternatives is there other than having to get a full mastopexy? Would the periareolar lift benefit me?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by ChristaXO in Chicago & Washington DC

Doctor Answers (14)
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The Ultimate Breast Lift is a new alternative for lifting breasts without a vertical scar

Hi Christa, There is a new technique for lifting breasts called the Ultimate Breast Lift. This technique was developed using engineering principles to provide a more lasting lift without the unsightly vertical scar. Breasts are elevated using internal 'straps' made from your own tissue to attach the newly formed breast permanently to your chest wall. Unlike, other techniques that do not provide upper pole fullness, this one allows you to have the look of implants without the extra... more

Limiting breast lift incision - the right thing to do?

This question is asked a lot by women who desire lifting and augmentation. If you have significant sagging that will not lift adequately with an implant alone, then using incisions to remove and tighten skin will be necessary. The periareolar lift done well does provide a nice result, but only in cases where there is not Grade 2/3 ptosis. The vertical scar tends to heal beautifully - it's a very forgiving scar typically. Over time scars will fade dramatically. more

Breast Lifting Technique?

Without physical examination or viewing pictures, my suggestions are based on your description only (and are general recommendations). Patients with Grade 2 or Grade 3 ptosis generally do not do well with circumareolar breast lifting. This procedure provides a for very limited breast lift and/or change in breast shape. Although your concerns regarding scars are very understandable I would suggest that their first concern should be obtaining the best results possible (scarring... more

Periareolar or lollipop breast lift?

Without seeing photos, it is hard to give specific advice, but in general: there are trade-offs to every surgery. Having more scars in your case usually means that the shape of the breast will be improved more dramatically. Scars tend to fade over time, but a less-than-ideal shape, skin puckering, or poor nipple positioning can be permanent. I would advise seeing a couple board-certified plastic surgeons if you are unsure about your options so... more

Breast lift and implants

Without an exam it is difficult to say, but some patients can do very nicely with an implant and an aroela lift.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

4 options to lift sagging breasts

Basically, there are 4 options to lift (aka mastopexy) sagging or ptotic breasts: 1. Breast implants - least amount of lift, but incisions can be very small and hidden very well 2. Periareolar mastopexy - more lift than just breast implants, but the incision goes all the way around the areola 3. Vertical (lollipop) mastopexy - great lift option that also restores projection to your breasts, but the incision goes around the areola as well as extending down... more

Short scar breast lift (mastopexy): emerging options

For this amount of ptosis, you will likely get significant periareolar rippling or gatthering or pleats with a short scar technique. If you find this preferable to a vertical scar. Other adjucnts include lower pole liposuction with upper pole fat grafting but this is not an established technique and should be discsussed with an experienced surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift

Generally, there is a limited amount of lift that can be achieved with the periareolar approach. That is why surgeons often need the other incisions (lollipop, anchor). It will likely be difficult to do a good job without the correct incision. I would discuss this very carefully with any surgeons that you see for consultation.

Breast lifts entail additional scars

You have a stated bra size of 34 D and are considering implants and a lift. Any implant that is placed likely will, at a minimum, make you a DD cup. If you are OK with going up in size, an implant and a circumareolar incision may do it. Do not, however, expect much of a lift. You will still be able to hold a pencil under your breast fold. Sometimes it is better not to have any operation than to pick the wrong one because it has fewer scars. Be sure to have a couple of... more

The best lift for grade 3 breast ptosis

Breast lift is all about nipple position and the lift should hold the nipple up front and center over the breast. For breast ptosis which is referred to as grade 3, the nipple is dependent and almost pointing floor-ward. The ptosis will be accentuated by the breast implant so it is important to accept a lift which will raise the nipple the necessary distance and hold it there without relapse. The vertical lift will be your best option without question. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd... more

Breast lift options for droopy breasts

Breast scars typically heal very nicely because they are under less tension than most abdominoplasty scars. I'm a big proponent of the vertical mastopexy- it lifts and shapes the breast much better than peri-areolar techniques that don't employ a vertical scar. For the degree of sagging that you have, a peri-areolar lift (no vertical scar) would be a compromise and would probably make your breasts look worse long-term: new scar around your areola and a saggy breast over an implant.... more

Maybe, usually not.

In general, the shorter the scars, the less shaping one can accomplish with the breast lift. I definitely would not recommend periareolar mastopexy for grade 3 breast sagging. Scars do look better with time and in most cases, the trade off between getting a better shape outweighs the disadvantage of longer scars. Photos would help to sort out your particular situation.

Scarring After Mastopexy Is the Hardest To Predict

Without seeing you in person, it is hard to know whether a Benelli ( circumareolar or donut) lift will be enough to raise you to the desired level. Once you get into grade III ptosis, then it can be alot harder to get a powerful lift out of just the areolar lift. Unfortunately, sometimes you need the vertical extension to get the best breast shape. That is where the compromise comes in - the less scars you have, the less powerful the lift may be. The only way to... more

Alternative to a Full Mastopexy for Grade 2/3 Ptosis

Really can not answer without measurements and posted photos. Yes it is possible to do a larger implant + a donut mastopexy to obtain that desired result. See 3 boarded surgeons i Chi Town From MIAMI the "real" Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, 305 598 0091