Can I avoid the anchor scar? (photo)

Question

I understand that all surgical procedures leave scars, however I would like a breast lift procedure without the underboob incision. Is it possible to avoid this with my type of boobs. I wouldn’t mind breast implants,but I was also wondering if I could achieve fullness with breast tissue alone. I’m a 34dd and would like to retain the size but perkier. if I go down one cup that’s fine but not too much, because I feel sexy with big boobs.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, there are many different types of breast lift operations.  The type of scar not only depends on your anatomy (degree of sagging, around of breast tissue, skin tone, etc) and your expectations, but the surgeon's recommendations.  For example, if you want a breast lift with less incisions and scarring, the tradeoff might be less of a dramatic lift.  Your surgeon can provide more detailed advice after doing a proper examination.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

A vertical scar could be well worth it because you will get a better shape. Remember that shape is the most important thing. See a surgeon with a lot of experience who can show you photos of real patients and have some patients for you to speak with.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Hi there, Thank you for your question and photos. There are many surgical options for a breast lift. The type of lift you have or that is recommended by a surgeon is based on many factors. One being your current size, shape, measurements, etc. If you a surgeon performs a lift on you without the "anchor" scar, I don't feel that you would be pleased with your overall results based on your current size. Due to your nipple placement, it would be more beneficial to have the anchor scar to be able to achieve a dramatic lift and perkier breasts. The smaller the scar, the less lift you will achieve. It really depends on the overall aesthetic appearance you are looking for in regards to what you would like your breasts to look like. Hope this helps.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

To most accurately answer your question would require an examination. Based on your photos alone, you appear to have fairly large breasts which are ptotic, or droopy. To correct this ,a breast lift or mastopexy would be required. Various incisional patterns are used for this procedure including doughnut, or circumareolar, lollipop, or circumvertical, and an anchor pattern. The amount of incisional scarring needed is determined by the amount of skin to be resected. I rarely recommend a doughnut incision because it can only achieve limited lifting , flattens the breast , and the scars are frequently widened and of poor quality . A lollipop incision can give excellant results, but if there is too much extra skin and the nipple must be elevated a great deal, a anchor incision may be necessary. In my opinion, you have fairly large breasts and can achieve excellant results without an implant. Seek several professional opinions to determine what would be the best choice for you.

Dana Khuthaila, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos. You appear to be a great candidate for a breast lift/ small reduction to achieve perky breasts with a vertical type lift with no scar underneath the breasts. I stopped performing the anchor scar many years ago as they flatten the breasts and keep them wide without adding to the perkiness of the breasts. The technique I perform is the vertical mastopexy (lollipop lift) type scar. It narrows the breast base and keeps the volume in the top and cleavage parts of your breasts where you want it. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery with minimal scarring. Best of luck!Dr. KhuthailaIg:drdana_nyc

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The Bellesoma Method was developed in order to avoid the anchor scar.  This technique reshapes your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevates them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief and long term stability.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear thesweetestchick,
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. 
If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are a great candidate for a vertical breast lift.  This can be designed to result in an improved shape and contour of your breasts while minimizing scar appearance.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your breasts need to be lifted quite a bit.  There are ways to perform a lift with a lollipop scar instead of an anchor scar,  but not all surgeons are experienced with the technique.  You will need to do some research into which surgeons in your area have experience with the procedure.

Can I avoid the anchor scar? (photo)

Answers (17)