How do the different techniques of the anchor procedure and the lollipop procedure affect the final appearance of the breast?

The
anchor procedure was developed by Wise in 1956, results in a vertical scar,
frequent nipple numbness and the inability to breast feed. The lollipop procedure was developed later
but has the disadvantage of the vertical scar and inadequate lift. In both techniques, the vertical scar is
often prominent, can widen and can break down, particularly at the T-shaped intersections. For this reason, a new technique was
developed called The Ultimate Breast LiftTM. This technique avoids the ugly vertical
scars, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed. The breasts are reshaped creating upper pole
fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your
cleavage. The weight of the breast is
transferred to the underlying muscle resulting immediate pain relief. This allows the patient to choose the size
proportionate to their body without excessive reduction. I personally do not use the lollipop or
anchor incisions because in my opinion they are obsolete. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Both procedures are safe and effective for lifting or reducing the breasts.  Most Plastic Surgeons are very experienced with the anchor technique as it is the one most commonly used and taught in training.  The Lollipop technique was initially not generally accepted, but modifications of the procedure has led to increasing popularity over the last decade. Aside from the obvious reduction in scars, the lollipop technique tends to result in less bottoming out, and more projection of the breast.  In the right patient, it can give a very youthful result.  As in any case, proper patient selection is paramount. Discuss these matters further with a board certified plastic surgeon skilled at both procedures.  Best wishes.

Dear Mandolynn,Both techniques can center the nipple, narrow the breast and improve projection.  I find that the lollipop technique is more suitable for smaller breasts and younger patients.  

Hello and thank you for your question.Theoretically, most
surgeons will tell you that more projection, coning of the breast is or can be
achieved with the vertical (lollipop) lift. However, over time, I'm not so sure
this holds true, as the breasts settle. In order to determine which procedure
is best suited for you, because not everyone is a candidate for a lollipop
lift, I recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon in
consultation to get more specific answers to your questions which can best be
addressed after a thorough history and examination is performed.
Best of luck to you!

It is a common misunderstanding that the anchor scar or lollipop scar technique produces specific results. They do not. They merely refer to the scar pattern. However, there are indicationS for each and there are pros and cons for each. There are also more specific techniques that are associated with each scar pattern. Other factors that categorize techniques are the pedicles that carry the nipple areola complex (eg., vertical bipedicle, superior pedicle, central or inferior pedicle, etc.), the use of liposuction, and the use of internal stitches or scaffolding of dermis or synthetic mesh. One concept with the anchor is to match up the skin incision lengths so the end result is idealized as to shape and size. However, changes in shape such as bottoming out may occur over time. With the lollipop or vertical scar technique, some cheating on the incision lengths leads to pleating or puckering and often the post-op stretching is used to advantage in an immediate upside-down appearance with more fullness on top and flatness on the bottom of the breast. This upside-down configuration is generally predicted to reverse itself as the soft tissue loosens. Also, because the lollipop scar technique avoids skin resection in the anterior-posterior direction (except around the areola), there is a tendency for the breast shape to be more pointed or projecting than the anchor scar. But this is also dependent on how the underlying breast gland is treated. The main point is to customize the techniques or maneuvers to fit the patient's anatomy and goalsRobin T.W. Yuan, M.D.