Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Question

I've been researching and I realized that there was a lift that could be done without scarring! I love the idea of only having scarring around the nipple area. It can only be done with mild sagging and I'm not sure if my breasts are classified as mild sagging or moderate? I am also planning on getting implants put in at the same time ( I was thinking around 300-400cc). Thanks!

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

It is really hard to say much from your photo. But, there is still some that can be said in general about breast lifts and scars. The donut breast lift (also called a periareolar or Benelli lift) can be effective for a small subset of patients. The scarring can be reasonable when there is minimal tension on the scars and when certain techniques are employed (blocking sutures, wagon wheel sutures). But in general, the donut lift is a subtle areolar repositioning and sometimes reducing procedure more than a true breast lift. It can be utilized with a breast implant in some cases, but often, the pressure created by an implant (especially a large implant) can put tension on the scar which most often creates widening of both the scar and the areola. There is much more control and ability to reshape a breast when a vertical scar is used. The breast can be better shaped (in my opinion) and the tension of the closure can be taken away from the areola scar which allows it to heal much better for almost all patients. I have looked a bit into the Bellesoma technique that does not require a vertical scar, but must say that the reviews available do not add much confidence into that technique providing consistent and reproducible results. There are very few surgeons that utilize this technique (which should be a red flag) and the surgeon that developed the technique seems to be dealing with legal issues often.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

This picture does not display enough to give you a great answer. A "donut lift" is a great option for a minority of patients. It is impossible to tell without a frontal view. The more likely option involves a scar around the nipple area with a line down toward the bottom of the breast. Make sure to voice your concerns about scarring during your consultation. As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. You should also be aware that results of surgery can change in the future with significant weight change and/or stretching of skin from the milk of pregnancy. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

One photo is insufficient for me to make a specific comment when the photo is cropped to show only part of the breast. The donut lift is only useful for a small amount of breast droop. It can also be used to improve symmetry of the areolae or to reduce the size of the areolae.
This lift tends to flatten the breast to some degree. It should not be used in cases with more breast or areolar droop. Thus, it applies to few patients who are in need of a significant improvement in the skin envelope.
Schedule an email or Skype consultation with a board certified PS who can answer your questions as you provide additional information.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photograph is inadequate.  However, it seems your breasts are low on the chest wall and a donut lift will not solve your problem.  The technique I recommend is a lift using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  Implants are not lifetime devices.  8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years.  Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Answer: Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Answer: Donut lift is inadequate, Bellesoma Lift is needed

Answer: Donut lift is inadequate, Bellesoma Lift is needed

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Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Answer: Am I a good candidate for a donut lift? (Photo)

Answer: Donut lift is inadequate, Bellesoma Lift is needed

Answer: Donut lift is inadequate, Bellesoma Lift is needed

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.