Why Hasn't the No-vertical-scar Breast Reduction and Lift Technique Gained Wide Acceptance?

Most of the results of this technique seem to look pretty good. Yet doctors across the board seem keen on the anchor incision mastopexy. What gives?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by ptoticpremed in Ohio

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Breast Reduction and No Vertical Scar Technique?

The no vertical incision breast reduction can be useful but only in a few percentage of patients who are seeking breast reduction surgery. The majority of patients seeking breast reduction surgery benefit from excision of skin and tissue in the vertical and horizontal dimensions. Fortunately, the majority of breast reduction patients are pleased with the results of surgery (despite scars). Best wishes.

No vertical scar is an excellent technique in selected patients

I'm going to have to disagree with a lot of the comments. This technique is actually quite versatile and can be used with almost anyone large enough to need a breast reduction surgery. In my hands, it produce significantly better results with larger (>700-800 gram) breast reductions then does "short scar" vertical reductions. It is the best technique hands down for "deflated" breast shape you see with massive weight patients in whom you do not want to... more

No-vertical scar lift?

I suppose there are two techniques you are talking about. 1) periareolar lift 2) inframammary incision only. The first is just a nipple lift usually with an implant and if the nipple has to be lifted alot the scar results are less than favorable. The inframammary only is really for bottoming out. A Benelli is also a periarola only incision but the skin has to adjust as well.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Why the "no Vertical Scar" breast lift never caught on

Hi there- It's best to first understand why a breast needs lifting in the first place- pregnancy, breast feeding, the aging process, gravity, and weight loss/gain cycles all contribute to the stretching of the breast skin and tissues that results in a sagging breast appearance. Because these stretching forces occur in 3 dimensions, any technique that does not address all 3 dimensions in a well-balanced fashion will result in a funny looking breast... So, as I sometimes ask my more

Liimited popularity of the no vertical scar breast reduction

Surgical techniques come and go. Then they are rediscovered, perhaps modified and then come and go. The "no visible scar" breast reduction of Passot has been around for a while but was rediscovered a few years ago. It never enjoyed much popularity because as noted above, it is only useful in distinct situations-specifically when the nipple is far below the crease of the breast. Most breast reduction patients have breasts that are not only too long... more

No vertical scar breast lift effectiveness

The around the areola breast lift is a nice lift, just weak. It is best for small cases. The physics of joining a large circle to a small circle creates a large amount of gathering when large lifts are performed with this technique and the nipple ends up looking bad. Also, the effect of a purely around the areola lift causes a flattening effect of the breast. If the patient has circulation issues (i.e. prior subglandular surgery), the around the areola lift can... more

No-vertical-scar breast reduction and lift technique

Easy answer, it failed the test of time. Poor results, non reproducible results by a majority of PS, really a not well thought out operation. Sorry nice try. From MIAMI DR. B

No vertical scar breast reduction and breast lift gives bad results.

Hi. 1) This operation gives flat unattractive breasts. 2) Lollipop scar is best for breast lift and for most breast reduction. Best long term shape. Women accept the scars very well if they love their new perky breasts.

No Vertical Scar Breast Reduction?

The no-vertical scar breast reduction is just one of many tools available in the breast reduction toolkit. Unfortunately, it is not for everyone, and the patient must have the appropriate type of breast to undergo the procedure. When done correctly, the results can be very good. However, if done on the incorrect patient, the breasts can look boxy and distorted.

No vertical incision reduction

This operation has been seeing a renewed popularity especially with Dr. John McGraw who is an extremely respected plastic surgeon. The main problem with it is that in order to be a candidate for this your nipple has to be well below the crease below the breast. Many patients who want a reduction just aren't anatomically set up for this version. Also, without the vertical scar, it is hard to create a nice projecting conical breast shape.