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Scarless Breast Lift

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 29,586 times
Tags: scar, surgery scar, technique

I'm sort of on the verge of needing a breast lift and wondering if the scars are not worth the trade-off... what kind of incisions or techniques leave the least amount of scarring?

44 answers to Scarless Breast Lift

+3

Breast lifts and scars

There are many different types of breast lifts available. These range from around the areola lifts, to short scar / LeJour / lollipop lifts, to limited incision "T" incisions to conventional "T" incisions. In general, the more the incisions, the greater the lift that is possible in the breasts. When a great deal of saggy skin is present, larger lifts are necessary. There is some evidence internal elevation and fixation of breast tissue may also help with the conduct of... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+7

Scarless breast lift

Hi, Fortunately, you do have another option other than the ones mentioned above. It is called the "Ultimate Lift". It is a technique that allows for the maximum amount of lift and upper pole fullness without the need for implants. The final results are very natural. Scars are hidden around the areola and in the natural crease of the breast mound. There is no vertical scar. I hope this helps you. Best wishes Dr H see photos
Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.horndeski.com

+6

Breast lift - Minimizing scars is important

Hi there- I agree with you- minimizing the appearance of scars on the breast is critically important. The whole point of a breast lift procedure is to make the breast more attractive and youthful, and this is defeated if scars are unfavorable or conspicuous. I believe strongly in taking an aggressive approach to scars in this situation, with progressive suturing techniques and postoperative scar treatments as a complimentary service to my breast lift patients, so that they will never feel... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+5

Breast lifts are wonderful today

In my opinion, using an implant to lift a breast is a losing situation for the patient. Typically the size of the implant necessary to remove the sag is too large for the patients ultimate aesthetic desires. If you are sagging and want llarge breasts then fine. But if you want to be lifted and desire to remain around the same size then just get a lift! The Donut Mastopexy is a deceiving term - There are many different types of procedures that utilize a scar only around the areaola - The... more
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.breastenlargement.net

+5

Don't compromise your result by trying to minimize scars.

Marian, Many patient are afraid of the scars / incisions used to perform breast lift surgery. However, in general, these incisions heal very nicely. It is a shame when patients compromise their result by demanding shorter or fewer incisions. There are minimal incision breast lifts, but these are best for people who only need a minimal lift. For people who need more extensive lifting, then you need longer or different incisions to achieve a nice aesthetic result. Sometimes, if you have... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+4

Most breast lift patients need a "lolly pop" scar.

Hi, Marian, 1) If you have only a little sagging, maybe you just need breast implants, which are put through very short incisions in the armpit, or in the fold under the breast, or under the nipple. 2) Also, if you have minimal sagging, an internal lift can be done through one of the scars described above. 3) Some patients (depending on the anatomy), can get a good lift with a "doughnut" scar just around the nipple. 4) If you have a lot of sagging, then you need a vertical... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+3

There are many different lifts available depending on your needs

The degree of lifting and the amount of scars required to restore to you a youthful and toned breast depends on how much droopiness you have. The key relationships are where the nipple lives relative to the crease under the breast and whether it points forward or downward. The farther down, the farther it needs to come up to look good and the more incisions it takes to get there. The other key issue is the degree of horizontal skin laxity or excess skin present. Periareolar lifts require... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

Periareolar or Vertical breast lifts have the most non invasive scars

In cases where the ptosis (droopiness) of the breasts is not excessive the innovative uses of periareolar or vertical lifts have revolutionized the appearance and the extent of the scars on the breasts. Both of these are used with or with out implants depending on the shape of the existing breasts. The periareolar lift also known as a donut mastopexy places the scars around the areola. It is best used in cases were there is minimal ptosis of the breasts. It is also best used with implants.... more
Sepehr Egrari, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Lift without scars!!

There is no surgery without a scar, but plastic surgeons can often hide scars. therefore, you can have a breast lift by hiding the incision at the periphery of the areola. this is called a peri-areolar mastopexy. Benelli or peri-areolar mastopexy can be used for mild breast ptosis or sagging.
S. Sean Younai, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Minimizing Scar with Breast Lift

I understand your concern about minimizing scars while improving the shape of your breasts. There are different techniques to reshape the breast: the more the sagging, the more length to the incisions (scars). If breast implants can restore volume to a deflated breast, scars for placement of an implant can be minimal. The best way to find out what procedure might be best is to consult your plastic surgeon. 
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+2

Minimal scar breast lift

Breast lift achieves the following: Brings the breast to a more attractive position Reduces the size of Areola Helps the breast to become more perky The breast lift incision can be reduced if an implant is used and if deep suturing allows re-contouring of the breast. From your description, it seems that you are a good candidate for a combination of implant and a Donut Breast lift. This allows you to get the best shape while having Minimal scar which heals very... more
Ali Sajjadian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.DrSajjadian.com

+2

Lots of information for that great question...

Marian- this is a great, and very common question. The principle thing that I would recommend to you is to avoid compromising the form of your breast for fear of the scarring. Any qualified plastic surgeon will be able to minimize the scarring with suture techniques, and although there are no guarantees, you should hopefully end up with fine white lines for your scars that progressively fade with time. You are better off having a great breast form and a little more scarring than a breast... more
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2

The bigger the scars the better the lift

There areany different ways to do breast lifts BUT they all involve scars and the more skin removed, the better the lift and the tighter the breast. The patient satisfaction after a breast lift if maximized when the patient is willing to accept the greatest amount of scarring. The small scar lifts are appropriate only for small lifts and when they are used for larger lifts it is a compromise that neither the patient nor the surgeon are happy with.
John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast lift and scars

The least amount of scarring is from no surgery. It progresses from breast implants only, circumareola lift (scar around the border of areola, a lollipop lift (vertical procedure), to a wise pattern ("anchor type incision). These techniques are employed based upon the amount of loose skin, the amount of breast tissue, and the position of the nipple.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Different types of breast lift

There are different types of lift e.g T-lift,vertical,benelli etc... In general the benelli is the smallest scar but it might not be the ideal lift for you. The type of lift is usually chosen based on the degree of breast ptosis(droopiness) as well as the need for implants. A good choice is to make sure that the breast lift technique chosen would give you the desired lift and breast shapping.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Lifts and Scars

Marian, As you have read there are several different types of lifts depending on the severity of the breast sagging. Obviously, any lift will leave a scar. Claims of "scarless" breast surgery are often misleading. The good news is that most of the scars fade nicely and are specifically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. The least amount of scarring is the donut lift but most surgeons agree that this often results in a shape that is somwhat flattened across the central... more
Robert Herbstman, MD

Red Bank Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scarless Breast Lifts

There is no such thing as a truly scarless breast lift. It is a marketing hype. If you have true breast ptosis and need a lift, it cannot be done without a scar as surgeons operate with scalpels and not wands.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

No such thing as scarless breast lift - vertical technique best tradeoff

There is no such thing as a scarless breast lift. The tradeoff is indeed better breast shape but scars. The vertical "lollipop" scar technique is the most favorable when it comes to this tradeoff. Unfortunately, techniques that use less scars (periareolar, donut, crescent, Benelli...) do not adequately remove extra skin and can actually cause more scar deformity because there is greater tension around the areola. The inverted-T causes too much scarring (the... more
Eric Swanson MD

Leawood Plastic Surgeon

www.swansoncenter.com

+1

Are the scars worth it for a breast lift?

In general, smaller lifts leave smaller scars, larger lifts leave larger scars. The smallest lift is a 'crescent lift' which leaves a scar along the upper aspect of the edge of the areola but only raises the nipple and areola a little. A periareolar lift leaves a scar around the entire edge of the areola and can raise the nipple and areola several centimeters but may have a flattening effect on the breast. A 'lollipop' lift is like the periareolar left but adds a vertical... more
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scarless breast surgery

There are no true scarless breast lift. The extent of the scar will depend on the amount of lift you need. For a small lift, sometimes what you need is an implant which can be inserted through a small cut in the breastfold. This is a very well-hidden scar. For certain mild droopiness, a 'donut' shaped lift can be done. The scar is placed on the margin of areola and hence is less obvious. For patients needing a greater degree of lift, at least part of the scar will have to be... more
Anindya Lahiri, MBBS

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

No scar No lift

Without and adequate exam none of us can determine what is the best operation to meet your expectations with minimal scarring. There is not some thing as a scarless breast lift. The real question is do you need a lift and if so how much. Some patients with very minor or grade one ptosis with obtain a lift and increased fullness with breast augmentation alone. Others require minimal lift which can sometimes be done with only a periareolar incision and and implant. In the... more
Richard Linderman, MD

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

"Scarless" breast surgery: no such thing

If you need a mastopexy, there are a variety of techniques resulting in different placement of scars. You should speak with your surgeon to determine which technique would work best for you, and explained to you the exact placement of the scars and the possible cosmetic appearance. Just keep in mind that there are a variety of factors that influence scars, and that every surgeon has had patients with the scars are conspicuous and has had patients where they are difficult to find. If... more
John E. Sherman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.nyplasticsurg.com

+1

Breast Lift Scars

There is no such thing as a scarless breast lift.  However, as plastic surgeons, we are trained to minimize and hide the scars from a breast lift, and any surgery procedure, as much as possible. The scars burden required to obtain a full, perky breast increases as the amount of sagging and loss of breast volume increases.  This is a brief outline of the scars that can be expected after a breast lift, in order of increasing amounts of preoperative breast sagging: 1. ... more
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

+1

Scarless breast lift

New techniques used today in breast lift surgery can significantly reduce scarring to a minimum to where the scars in selected cases become almost imperceptable These techniques include 1 Subareolar Mastopexy In this procedure the areolar skin is elevated and multiple suture are placed beneath the areola to reduce tension on the scar 2 Dermal grafts or mesh is used to support the glandular tissue .Usually it is not necessary to use a... more
Hilton Becker, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

No effective breast lift can be done without scars

If a patient needs a breast lift (mastopexy), the improvements in "uplift" to the breast mound and nipple and shape improvement far outway any negative with the incisions or "scars".  The typical "anchor" pattern of incisions involves the incision around the areola which fades typically and is not really seen. This allows the plastic surgeon to decrease the often "dilated" diameter of the areola as well. There is also a vertical incision in the... more
James F. Boynton, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.BoyntonPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Scarless Breast Lift

The idea of a scarless surgery is an attractive one.  In reality, any time a surgeon makes an incision on the skin, we, as humans, all heal by scar.  It is better to think of it as minimizing the length of any scar and optimizing its position in order to obtain the best result.  Depending on the degree of ptosis (sagging) and the size of the nipple areolar complex, you may wish to consider a vertical mastopexy or a periareolar mastopexy, ometimes known as a lollipop and donut... more
Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH

Columbia Plastic Surgeon
+1

Many kinds of breast lifts

Scars for a breast lift go anywhere from just around the areolar (periareolar) to that plus an up an down scar (vertical) to that plus a scar at the base of the breast across the breast length (anchor or wise pattern).  which one of these you would do best with can be determined by your surgeon.  i think the thing that you have to realize is, you may be sacrificing shape for scar.  in other words, although a periareolar scar may seem the most attractive option, as it... more
Eric Chang, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scarless breast lift and other options

A breast lift is not a "one-size fits all" type of surgery. There are many different ways to perform this procedure but the three most important factors in helping the plastic surgeon decide on a technique are: the present condition of the patient's breasts (how much sagging, skin elasticity, volume etc.) the desired shape of the breasts (high and "perky",  somewhat sloping etc.) the desired cup-size Based on the above, an... more
Arie Benchetrit, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lifts and scars

For many young (and young-at-heart) women, scars on the breast are a major deal.  It's not a good situation if you have a breast lift and get a great shape, but have all sorts of ugly scars. Carefully discussion of the options, operative planning, meticulous suturing by your surgeon, and excellent post-op care can all help to provide a good outcome, but sometimes scarring is unpredictable, and patient-dependent. So far, our non-surgical options for breast lifting are... more
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

The only scarless breast lift is a good brassiere! Unclothed, you will need scars.

Sorry, but the loss of breast volume (after pregnancy and breast feeding, or after weight loss), and stretching of breast skin, requires that at least one of these--and often both--be addressed. Breasts that have adequate volume but sag require a bra to help hold the breasts in a higher position on the chest. Any breast lift involves some sort of skin tailoring via incisions and scars to create a more youthful, perky, and uplifted skin brassiere. Of course, you can also have some tissue... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+1

There are many types of breast lifts available.

There are several main types of lifts with a few modifications of each. These are increasingly more invasive with more scarring as you go down the list crescent (scar only above areola) periareolar (circular scar all the way around areola) vertical (also called lollipop because of circular scar around areola and vertically descending scar) anchor (same as vertical scar PLUS a horizontal scar across the bottom) Unfortunately it is not as easy as deciding... more
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift Scars can be minimized

If a breast lift and augmentation are being done together, a minimal lift can be done to raise the nipple and improve the contour of the lower aspect of the breast without involving the larger traditional lift scars.
Mario Loomis, MD

Middletown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Reduced scarring with breastlift: consider adding an implant

Q: Why do breasts sag? A: There is too little volume or too much skin. Greater degrees of excess skin require greater amounts of skin removal, resulting in larger scars.  One logical approach to reducing the extent of scarring with breast lift is to add an implant.  This results in increased breast volume, effectively reducing the degree of skin excess. I generally perform augmentation mastopexy (breast implants with breast lift) using incisions around the nipple... more
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

How much lift is needed helps determine how much scars

There are several techniques that can be used to lift the breasts.  How much lift is needed will determine what technique and how much scarring is needed.  The least scarring to rejuvenate the breasts typically comes from the placement of breast implants.  This may "lift" the appearance of the breasts by 1-2 cm (half an inch).  If more lift is needed, then we start talking about mastopexy in which the scars may be around the nipple, a lollipop or extending... more
Jason Brett Lichten, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar-less Breast Lift

Depends on your anatomy....sagging, loose skin? Loss of breast glandular volume? Asymmetry? Mild/Moderate or severe....all in all, your best bet is to seek out a breast surgeon in your area, I highly recommend you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and you can find one at the ASPS or ASAPS websites. He or she will be able to examine you at your visit, measure you (which will help determine the position of your nipple and guide the surgeon to recommend the surgical technique best for you), more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift scars

To answer your question another way,  the breast lift that gives you the best result (contour, position, and size of the breasts) and performed competently will give you the best scars possible whether it involves an incision only around the areola, a lollipop incision, or one that also includes an incision under the breast.  The most important decisions are made with the consulting surgeon to determine what procedure will achieve the result you want.  Luckily, when performed... more
Sean A. Simon, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Avoiding scars in breast lift

The most important issue in breast lift is to choose the correct procedure for the given breast.  If the surgeon chooses the type of lift simply to avoid the scar, the final result could lead to an abnormal and unattractive breast.  I find that if I create a beautiful and youthful breast, than the scars are not much of an issue.  Typically the scars will fade significantly in time.  A number of my patients that underwent a breast lift had proudly paraded topless on the... more
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.doctorackerman.com

+1

Breast lfit and options for incisions

There are many different types of breast lifts. Proceeding from least invasive to most invasive, I will list some of the options below: Breast augmentation with implants Periareolar lift = "crescent lift" Circumareolar lift = "donut lift" Vertical or circumvertical lift = "lollipop or tennis racket lift" Vertical and Horizontal or Wise/Lexer pattern lift = "anchor or inverted T" Generally the worse the ptosis the more aggressive of a lift you will... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Limited scarring with a limited mastopexy

Depending on the severity and complexity of your case, you may want to consider a limited lift or "donut" lift. This limited mastopexy involves limited scarring just around the areola. If you are borderline between getting a lift or just using a larger implant, you may be a candidate for this procedure. However, this does not provide a long-lasting result. Later on down the line, you may need more surgery due to gravity, aging, pregnncy, or weight loss/gain. Find a board certified... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Minimal scars for breast lift

Check out the link below to see illustrations of different scars. The video also shows a periareolar lift. The basic question in breast lift is: How much skin excess is there relative to volume of breast? The greater the skin excess, the more scar. I personally thing you never need any more than the lollipop scar. When you add a little volume with an implant, you reduce the amount of scar needed. In the vast majority of cases combining mastopexy and augmentation only a crescent or... more
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lift, Mastopexy: Reducing surgical scars with a breast lift procedure

A breast lift corrects the following anatomic characteristics of the breast: Nipple position Skin redundancy Breast projection The standard and effective technique to lift the breast is known as a Wise pattern mastopexy, which creates a scar along the inframammary crease and from the IMF to the areola. There is also a scar around the areola. Another, more recent, technique is known as a Short scar or Vertical mastopexy, which does not create a scar along the inframammary fold. The scar... more
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Small incision in breast lift depends on the candidate

Dear Marian, A breast lift can be performed in many different ways depending on the needs of the patient. Generally speaking, the size of the incisions depend on the amount of correction required. The more the correction, the bigger the incision. Undergoing breast implant surgery with a small incision under ther breast, in the armpit, or belly button can give you a slight lift effect. For a slightly greater lift, an incision may be needed that would go all the way around the nipple/areola... more
A. Peter Salas, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Vertical Pattern Breast Reduction

Hi Marian, The best breast lift option for you must include consideration of many issues in addition to the amount of scarring, but be sure that the surgeon you see has expertise in performing vertical pattern breast lift. Binelli can give a nice initial result, but as all the tension is around the areolar incision, the scar can widen and thicken where you would least want a bad scar. The vertical pattern combines a short and well hidden scar with the advantage of minimal tension at the... more
Michael Kreidstein, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

There is no breast lift without some scars

Generally there are three potential scar patterns, depending on your breast shape and degree of droopiness. The quality of the scar ultimately depends on your skin characteristics, your health and factors such as smoking and diabetes, the expertise of your surgeon and the suture/adhesive technique he/she utilizes, the postoperative management with various scar treatments and finally a bit of good luck :-) ! The three basic patterns of scars are: Just at the areolar border (the pigmented... more
David J. Levens, MD

Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon

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