Breast Reduction: Q&A

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Breast Reduction - Best Technique?

Considering my photo, how will I best achieve some reduction to lessen back and shoulder pain but keep fullness in cleavage? I want the "armpit boob" removed and some overall reduction but want a lifted but still round and full result. I am concerned about scarring and would prefer not to have the horizontal incisions if possible. Will the lollipop incision technique work on my breasts, or are they large enough that the anchor incision would be necessary to achieve good lift?

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19 Doctor Answers | Asked by redtexasdiva in texas

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What breast reduction technique is best?

This is a question that comes up a lot and there is not just one "right" answer. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages. The answer that a surgeon gives you will depend a lot on their experience and training. What works best in your surgeon's hands is probably the best technique for you. My preference for you would be an inferior pedicle "lollipop" scar technique called the "SPAIR" technique. Not just because it... more

Best Technique for Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question and picture. In my hands, I think you will achieve the best results with a breast reduction involving vertical and horizontal incisions. It would probably be in your best interests to concentrate on finding the surgeon who can best achieve your goals ( regardless of resulting scar lines) instead of attempting to find a surgeon who will use a specific technique ( I think you will be more likely to be satisfied with the end results of surgery using... more

Breast reduction technique

Thank you for your photos, they are helpful in forming my response. There are several techniques used in breast reduction, each with their positives and negatives. The individual techniques is likely not as important as the experiance your surgeon has with it. I would choose the standard anchor incision reduction for you to narrow the breast and decrease the lateral fullness. I have found this gives excellant results, with a quick time to final appearance... more

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD

18 reviews

Boston Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Scars

Absolutely the "circumvertical" or "lollipop" type excision pattern and resulting scar can provide a quite satisfactory result. Usually, I recommend Hypafix (Smith & Nephew) or equivalent skin tape across the scar on bottom of breast for about two months after the procedure to minimize widening of the scar.

VIDEO (click here) Breast reduction

As stated, a variety of approaches can be used for reduction mammaplasty. I tend to use the vertical and horizontal for larger reductions and the vertical for the smaller reductions. The "armpit boob" may benefit from the combined use of liposuction. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction

I try and minimize the scars as much as possible. It really depends on how much of a reduction and uplift you want. The larger the reduction and/or uplift, the more extensive the scars. A lot can be done with just a lollipop incision. Fortunately, the scars in about 80% of the cases heal quite well and I find in my experience that patients who have undergone a breast reduction are really pleased with the relief of their symptoms like back, neck and shoulder pain. See my videos! more

Best BreastReduction Technique

There are several techniques that are very useful in certain situations. Every plastic surgeon has his/her criteria for determining which technique is best for a certain individual and/or circumstance. It looks like your breast are fairly heavy and either a Lollipop or Anchor incision would be appropriate depending on how much breast tissue is to be removed and the resultant shape that is desired. A consult with a board certified plastic surgeon would be in order... more

Breast Reduction technique

Based on your photo, the best technique to elevate, tighten, and reduce the lateral fullness would be the full (anchor scar pattern) type of Breast reduction/lift. The lollipop technique in your case would not be effective enough in tightening the lower and outer aspect of the left side in particular, and your breast would still be somewhat bottom heavy. Surgery is individualized per patient and sometimes techniques can be modified to suit the patient as well as account for breast... more

Best Breast Reduction Technique

Regarding: "Breast Reduction - Best Technique? Considering my photo, how will I best achieve some reduction to lessen back and shoulder pain but keep fullness in cleavage? I want the "armpit boob" removed and some overall reduction but want a lifted but still round and full result. I am concerned about scarring and would prefer not to have the horizontal incisions if possible. Will the lollipop incision technique work on my breasts, or are they large enough that... more

Breast Reduction Options

hi there- There are several excellent techniques available to you and your surgeon. Without an exam, it would not be reasonable or responsible for me to color your judgement (or that of your chosen surgeon) by expressing too strong an opinion, but I think that generally speaking, a lollipop scar or inverted T would work well for you. Please also understand that breast reduction scars do NOT need to be unsightly- please see this photo:

T pattern may be the best option

Considering the size and shape of your breasts and the distance from the nipple to the inframamary crease the T pattern breast reduction may be the best option for your. Final determination would be made at the time of your consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Lollypop scar breast reduction is best.

Hi. The short scars are not even the best thing about this technique (Lejour or Hall-Findlay). Because the breasts are shaped from the inside without relying on tightening the skin (which stretches), long term shape is much better. Your asymmetry can be easily corrected. The fullness in your armpits is removed at the same time with liposuction. see video

Short scar reduction techniques good if nipple not too low

Hi, These are all good questions. There are 2 separate issues here: 1. What pedicle will be used and 2. What skin excision pattern will be used. In my experience, the best way to achieve what we call "upper pole" fullness is to use a superior pedicle technique. From your photo I believe this is an option for you. Then the question is what about the skin excision pattern-lollipop or anchor. The answer depends on a few things. First... more

Breast reduction technique

An exam is very important. The technique used really depends upon your goals. A vertical( lollipop) can be done for a small reduction and a large reduction can be performed with an anchor type incision.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction

Thanks for the frontal photo. Unfortunately the BEST option is the inverted T or anchor resduction for you. This is based on the photo offered. Sorry.

Lejour is Best!

There are many techniques, and nomeclature can be confusing. Here is my best efforts at classifying techniques and pros/cons. Circumareolar techniques- scars only around the areola. 1-only works for nipples that are less than 25 cm from the suprasternal notch. 2- Does not give the best projection - denser breasts will have better results. 3- not all techniques are the same. The Goes technique uses an internal brassiere and gives the best results, The Benelli is subpar... more

The best technique for breast reduction

The best technique for breast reduction will meet the necessary goals for lift, and amount of breast weight reduction, while providing a result which safely supports circulation and sensation to the nipple. For most candidates today the short scar or vertical reduction technique will be best. Only for a very large reduction will the horizontal scar pattern be necessary. Considering your photo the vertical scar reduction or 'lollipop' pattern should work out well. Best of luck... more

Breast Reduction Techniques

I agree that you will need the anchor-type or inverted T incision in order to obtain your best result. It would be difficult to correct the extension of breast tissue in your axilla with only a vertical incision as well.