I don’t do well with scarring. Could i do an implant with no lift or a crescent lift?

Hello, and thank you for your question. Based on your photos, I would be cautious about expecting a crescent lift to provide the result you are seeking. A crescent lift is designed to create only a very small amount of nipple elevation and does not significantly reshape the breast or address excess lower pole skin. In patients with mild to moderate breast ptosis, it is often not powerful enough to create a meaningful improvement in breast shape. Implants alone can restore volume and improve upper pole fullness, but they do not truly lift the breast. In some cases, adding volume can create the appearance of a subtle lift, but if there is existing sagging, implants alone may not fully address the concern and can sometimes accentuate the lower pole fullness over time. If avoiding scars is your highest priority, it is reasonable to discuss whether augmentation alone could provide an acceptable improvement. However, if your goal is to significantly improve breast position and shape, a more formal lift procedure may provide a more predictable and longer-lasting result. There is always a tradeoff in breast surgery: fewer scars may mean less correction, while greater correction generally requires additional incisions. The best approach depends on your anatomy, nipple position, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine whether an implant alone, a limited lift, or a formal mastopexy would best achieve the result you are looking for.

Crescent lift, BAD IDEA. Also, don’t go for the periareolar lift, also a BAD IDEA. These result in suboptimal scarring, flattening of the breast, and no lift . You’ll be back for a proper lift . I hope this helps, thnk you.

A crescent lift is usually a very small adjustment, not a true breast lift. In the photos, there appears to be mild breast laxity with the nipple/areola sitting low enough that an implant alone or crescent lift may not give reliable lifting; photo review is limited, so an exam may change this. If your main priority is avoiding scars, an implant-only plan may be possible only if you accept a lower nipple position and less reshaping. A crescent lift can also widen or distort the upper areola when it is asked to do too much. If the exam confirms true ptosis, a vertical or short-scar lift is usually more predictable than trying to avoid scars and needing a revision later.

Dear Witty9673, my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. Daniel Barrett, MD Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. Based on your concerns, you may be a candidate for a breast lift, but a crescent lift alone is often limited and may not provide sufficient correction if there is noticeable sagging. In many cases, combining an implant with a more comprehensive lift gives a better and longer-lasting result. A detailed evaluation can confirm the best approach for your goals. I hope this helps.

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, a crescent lift alone may not provide enough lift to achieve a noticeable improvement. A breast augmentation combined with a breast lift would likely provide a better overall shape and positioning. A consultation would help determine the most suitable approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Sorry this isn't what you want to hear.... Unfortunately, you will not achieve the best aesthetic result with either of those options and it wouldn't be my recommendation as a surgeon. Your best bet would be proceed with a breast augmentation and full anchor mastopexy (lift). Discuss your scar concerns with your surgeon, they should be able to provide suggestions/treatments to optimize scarring after surgery.

Hi — this is a very common and very important question, especially if you’re concerned about scarring.Is a crescent lift appropriate in your case?In most patients who are considering implants and already have noticeable breast descent, a crescent lift is unfortunately not sufficient.A crescent lift:Provides very minimal nipple elevation (usually 1–2 cm at most)Does not reposition the breast tissueDoes not correct lower-pole skin excessDoes not prevent future sagging, especially once an implant is addedSo while it has a small scar, it also has very limited power and a high risk of dissatisfaction.What about implants without a lift?Implants alone:Add volume, not liftOften make sagging more obvious over timeCan worsen lower-pole stretch and lead to bottoming outIf you already don’t “do well with scarring,” needing a revision later because the shape isn’t right is usually far more frustrating than accepting a well-planned scar upfront.What actually works best for your anatomyBased on your goals and anatomy, the most predictable and durable solution is:

The scar burden of a breast lift varies directly with the degree of ptosis/sagging. The more significant the correction needed...the greater the scars. Slight ptosis can be corrected by a "donut" or circumareolar mastopexy/lift. Moderate ptosis may be addressed via a "lollipop" lift or vertical mastopexy. The most significant degree of ptosis will necessitate an "anchor" or Wise pattern scar. Based on your photos, you would likely need a Wise pattern/anchor lift. A crescentic lift would likely be inadequate. There is always a surgical trade off-scars for results. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame

Hello, thank you for sharing your photos.Based on my initial evaluation, I notice some volume loss accompanied by mild sagging. In your case, there are two possible treatment approaches. Of course, the most accurate recommendation can only be made after an in-person examination.If your goal is to have significantly larger breasts, it may be possible to proceed without a lifting procedure. However, in my professional opinion, the best and most balanced result would likely be achieved with a breast implant that is well suited to your body proportions, combined with a lifting procedure (possibly periareolar)Please keep in mind that the final decision will be made during your in-person consultation, as it will depend on your physical measurements and your personal goals and expectations.

Am I a candidate for a crescent lift? (Photos)

Am I a candidate for a crescent lift? (Photos)

Answers (22)

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