Is there an alternative to a lollipop breast lift?

Question

I saw a video a few days ago where the doctor said that was a new option for breast lift but without the ugly scar (loli pop)... and he put implants too, he made the areola smaller and up, I think that type of surgery is definetly worth it. Please let me know, thanks...

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is YES...but I would not recommend it. The problem with the PA (peri-areolar) lift or Bennelli Lift (as it is often called) is that all of the tension is centered around the nipple and areola.  In the beginning, the lift may look good but, over time, the areola tends to stretch and distort because of this tension.  As such, most experienced breast surgeons prefer to use either the lolly-pop incision or the anchor incision since these incisions redistribute tension over a wider area and tend to be far more stable long-term.I really hope this helps!  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There are a few other alternate techniques such as the full (anchor) lift and the periareolar lift.  However after years of experience, I have found the full lift to give patients the most satisfying results.  I now almost exclusively employ this technique alone.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.Sometimes, a circumareolar lift or donut lift is a possibility as an
alternative to the lollipop lift.Whether or not you would be a good candidate for this depends on the
position and size of your areola and nipples.Your Plastic Surgeon can give you a good idea as to whether or not this
would work for you.I hope this
helps.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, there is. The Ultimate Breast Lift method seen below, gives patients who qualify, improved shape and cleavage without the extra cost, maintenance, risks/complications associated with breast implants. The vertical incision has also been eliminated. You must have enough saggy skin for this method to work. I hope this helps.Best wishes and kind regards,Gary Horndeski M.D.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for yuor inquiry, but without a picture it is impossible to advise on your circumstance.  However, you are right, we can lift the breast without a vertical scar if the anatomy is right and he expectation can be met.  Good Luck.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Ugly scarring from mastopexy scars can be a result of technique or poor patient healing. The lollipop scar usually heals incredibly well. Although some patients are turned off by the thought of a scar on the lower part of the breast (the stick in the lollipop), this extension allows any tension to be removed and thus reduces poor healing/scarring. The circumareolar (donut) mastopexy is fraught with its own set of problems; most notably a widened areola. Although you might be concerned about the scar the ultimate shape of the breast will likely offset any possible healing issues. Best of Luck!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Don't be fooled, there is really no way around removing skin, and sometimes significant breast tissue, to lift the breast.  And with skin removal, comes scarring.  Some women will only need a small amount removed, and get less scaring. You will need to be evaluated. For women who have already had their surgery, the shape of the breast is much more critically evaluated than the scarring. So, getting the wrong lift for the sake of scaring will usually lead to poor shape and dissatisfaction.Go visit a few surgeons that are expert in all forms of cosmetic breast surgery, not just implants. ABPS certification with membership in the ASAPS are important criteria. Best of luck!

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Angie,I can't really comment without at lease seeing some photos, but I have an idea for you and some references.  Please put
an index card in your breast fold. If your nipple is at the edge of the card or
below, then you would be a candidate for a lift, either a vertical or anchor or
areolar incision. If your nipple is above the edge, you could be a candidate
for an internal lift called the dual plane. The video and link below explains the
dual plane internal lift. I
believe the dual plane and implants alone will do it for you, and that you will
not need a lift. Be sure to seek a consultation with a BC PS to be sure. All
the best, “Dr. Joe”

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

There are a few different breast lift techniques but they all involve scarring. Personally, I generally use a vertical or anchor lift. It delivers the best results. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss the best options for your body. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for the  question.  It sounds like the video was describing a periareolar, or doughnut mastopexy combined with an implant. This is a fine operation for the correct patient. If you have a large degree of droop, however, this will likely not be an option. It would be helpful to have photos to make a better comment.Mastopexy involves removing varying amounts of skin in order to reshape and elevate the breast. Options include a peri-areolar(doughnut), vertical (lollipop), and inverted T( anchor). Which operation is best depends on a variety of factors including breast size, degree of ptosis(droop), areolar size, skin laxity and patient desires.

With a periareolar mastopexy, skin is removed from around the nipple only. This is helpful in reducing the nipple/areolar diameter and can give a small amount of elevation.  This results in a scar just around the nipple. It is important to realize that this procedure generally provides only minimal lift. It is generally best for patients with only minor ptosis, and those who want to decrease areolar size. It is many times performed in conjunction with an breast augmentation.

A vertical mastopexy requires both an incision around the nipple and down vertically to the inframammary fold, hence the term “lollipop.” Sometimes the incision is extended laterally to create more lift.  This is a much more powerful operation in achieving lift and change in breast shape, as it allows more skin to be removed, and more control over the breast shape.

The most aggressive mastopexy is an inverted T, which is sometimes called and anchor lift, or a Wise pattern lift.  When compared to a vertical mastopexy, this adds a scar along the inframmammry fold. This type of lift may be needed when the patient has significant droop and skin excess. It can significantly  lift and change breast shape, but it comes at the cost of a longer scar.

When meeting with a patient for a mastopexy consult, the surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation of the breast, looking at the amount of skin excess, skin quality, degree of ptosis, and nipple areolar diameter. In conjunction with the patient, a recommendation will be made.  It is important to note that the amount of lift that can be achieved is generally directly related to the amount of scar; if a patient has significant skin excess, a periarolar mastopexy will not be appropriate, and a more aggressive lift may be required.

I spend a great deal of time discussing the resultant scars with the patient.  In my experience, most patents are willing to accept a longer scar for improved shape. If the patient requires a more aggressive lift, but are not comfortable with the scars, it is better to not to perform surgery than try to do a lesser operation. This will only result in a sub optimal result and an unhappy patient. Hope this helps.  Best Regards

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