Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

Question

I'm 5'2'' 125lbs and have DDD breasts. My PS won't perform a lollipop procedure on me even though it's a modest reduction and I'm healthy because he says he doesn't like how the results look and that the new procedure is just a fad. But I've heard that the lollipop procedure leaves better shape, less scarring, and more possibility of breastfeeding. My procedure is already scheduled and being paid for by insurance. Should I cancel it and start the process over with someone who does lollipop?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Unfortunately, it is very difficult for me to give you good advice without direct examination. For your own peace of mind you may want to see an additional well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss options;  otherwise, you may always wonder if you made the right choice.

	Best wishes.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Also known as reduction mammoplasty, #BreastReduction is an operation intended to reduce the size of a woman’s #breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. Functional symptoms (medical problems) caused by excessive breast weight may be relieved or improved by this operation. #Liposuction may be used during the procedure
to reduce the size of the breast in selected patients. Liposuction alone has
the least number and size of scars but has the greatest limitations in shaping
and reducing the breast. Liposuction may be combined with the vertical method
to give an optimal shape to your breasts. Adjustments of the nipple and/or
areola can also be done at the same time.I prefer to use a minimal incision surgery with a “#vertical” or “#lollipopBreastReduction scar technique. This method has been used in Europe and South America for more than 30 years but is performed by a small number of Plastic Surgeons in this country.The trend toward using this much better procedure is growing as younger plastic surgeons learn this technique in their residency programs.The benefits include: approximately fifty percent less scarring, a narrower breast, better forward projection and shape, longer lasting improvement, shorter surgery time and less complications. In general, we have stopped using the older traditional “anchor” or inverted “T” incisions as these provide inferior results.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to be concerned about scarring
when they undergo breast reduction surgery.For this reason, they’re eager to undergo procedures that utilize lesser
incisions. Unfortunately, this may
require compromises that adversely impact the aesthetic results of these
procedures.Your
pictures suggest that you would benefit from a small to moderate breast
reduction.Unfortunately, severe breast
sag is present and for this reason an anchor incision will probably be
necessary.A lollipop incision probably
wouldn’t adequately address your breast sag in this situation.If
you’re considering breast reduction surgery it’s important to consult a board
certified plastic surgeon.This surgeon
can perform a physical examination and formulate a treatment plan that
addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I do NOT recommend the boat anchor or lollipo technique.  I recommend a new technique called the Ultimate Breast Reduction with incisions around the nipple and inframammary fold without vertical incisions.  This results in upper breast fullness and maintains the ability to breast feed.  The traditional technique is the Wise pattern which was developed in 1957 and leaves vertical scars which are prone to widen and impossible to hide.  Insurance companies will pay for breast reduction IF you meet the weight criteria determined by body surface area.  If you do not like what your current plastic surgeon is offering, perhaps you would be better off seeing someone else.

	Best of Luck,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based solely on the posted photos I would do a full anchor but I have never examined you in person. Best to obtain 3 to 5 opinions in person from boarded pSs in your area.

Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Avoiding the Anchor and Lollipop incisions for breast reduction

Answer: Avoiding the Anchor and Lollipop incisions for breast reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

Answer: Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

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Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Avoiding the Anchor and Lollipop incisions for breast reduction

Answer: Avoiding the Anchor and Lollipop incisions for breast reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

Answer: Breast Reduction--Anchor Vs. Lollipop for Petite DDD? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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