SPAIR or Anchor Technique? (photo)

I have seen 2 different PS with different ideas. The first suggested anchor technique due to asymmetry and severe sagging. The second suggested SPAIR technique because the results are more long lasting and offer a more natural breast. I don't like the boxy look of the anchor technique, but was told that I had too much excess skin for the SPAIR technique from the first doctor. Which would be more appropriate? I want a lift on the left and reduction/lift on the right.

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by ekeyes

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What technique for breast surgery

I agree with my colleagues that your choice of surgeon is probably more important than the technique. Each of us as surgeons is more familiar and comfortable with some techniques than others. And you should be comfortable with the surgeon you choose. So choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who you feel understands your concerns and can answer all your questions and let him or her choose the technique that he or she can use to best accomplish your... more

Large breasts can also be reduced using the spair technique

Hello, Thank you for the question. I think the right answer for you would be to choose a plastic surgeon that has before and after results of breast reductions that you like regardless of the technique they use. Vertical breast reduction and SPAIR techniques can also be used on large breasts. They tend to shape and cone the breast tissue better and can lead to a rounder looking breast....at least in the early healing period. The WISE pattern (anchor) is somewhat... more

Breast reduction techniques and asymmetry

Although I agree with the advice that the surgeon needs to be experienced and comfortable with a breast reduction technique, what's being missed here is that there is a significant asymmetry between the two breasts and one approach could be used for your right breast (which you're referring to as your left) and a different one for the left breast (which you're calling your right). There is also a difference in how the internal breast gland is handled compared to the issue of how the external... more

Anchor or SPAIR

In my hands, I would do the anchor technique. I feel this method is better at providing fullness in the upper portion of the breast because it repositions breast tissue in the upper portion of the breasts better than short scar technique. Overall ,however, you are best off with an experienced surgeon using the approach he or she feels they can obtain the best result with. Good luck!

What is the best breast reduction technique?

HI, The best technique for breast reduction is the one your doctor is most comfortable with. What this means is that there are several good and equally effective ways to reduce a breast while lifting it at the same time. If your doctor is used to the SPAIR technique, then by all means go with that. In general, I personally find (especially with the way that your left breast looks) that the wise pattern "inverted T" or anchor technique is the most straight forward and reproducible... more

SPAIR or Anchor

Hello, Having seen many of his surgeries and presentations, and after reading his book, Dr. Hammond's SPAIR seems unnecessary and offers no real advantage over the standard anchor/Wise pattern technique in a woman with your breast type (especially your left breast). In the best of hands (Dr. Hammond's?), you will have horizontal extensions of both your vertical incisions to the outer part of the inframammary fold (the J pattern). The suggestion that the SPAIR offers... more

SPAIR or Anchor Technique? (photo)

In agreement with other responders, technical execution of your procedure should be the domain and responsibility of the surgeon you select. Both techniques you mention are standards, and, in my opinion, both can provide a good result. One surgeon feels more comfortable with "anchor," the other with "SPAIR." Look at "before and after" photos demonstrating results of each technique, and decide for yourself based on breast shape, scars, symmetry, and also based on your... more

Vertical breast lift/reduction

I would not use either of the techniques that you listed, but that does not mean that they would be wrong to use. Every surgeon is going to have a technique that works best for them. And I would agree that the surgeon is more important than the technique. I personally have seen the best results using a vertical breast reduction technique popularized by Elizabeth Hall Findlay. This technique allows for internal shaping of the breast tissue and minimizes scarring. Check the before and... more

Best technique for breast reduction

All techniques are very good for breast reduction, and even a 'T' pattern will not have a 'boxy' shape if done well. The issue is selecting a surgeon who you have a good relationship with and you have the confidence in to adequately correct your asymmetry.

Best Procedure for Breast Reduction?

Although it is commendable that you are learning about the different types of breast reduction procedures available, I think you will be better off spending the time doing your due diligence in selection of plastic surgeon. This decision will be of greater importance, in my opinion, than exactly what procedure is performed. Start with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, meet with a few plastic surgeons and ask to see lots of examples of each plastic surgeon's... more

Vertical (Hall-Findlay technique) breast reduction gives best long term results.

Hi. I would not recommend either of the approaches you mention. 1) What matters is how the breast tissue is shaped from the inside. The vertical technique does not rely on skin tension, because skin stretches. 2) Because of your sagging and asymmetry, you will end up with "anchor" type skin scars to remove the excess skin. But on the inside, this is not the anchor technique, which does rely on skin tension. 3) I realize this is confusing... more