Is it possible to do a mini vertical breast lift with a lollipop incision?

Question

Is it possible to do a breast lift with a lollipop incision, but one that does not go all the way down to the crease? Would this work for small breasts that have grade 1 ptsosis? I feel like this would lessen the tension around the areola as seen in a benellii lift, but without the need for a full vertical scar.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dynamic828035,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

If you do not have a lot of excess skin, the vertical scar does not need to grow too long. You do not need to be afraid of scarring in surgeries performed with the appropriate technique; it remains in the form of a very thin line, depending on your skin structure.
Best Wishes
Erman Ak M.D.

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A mini vertical breast lift with a lollipop incision can be suitable if you have small breasts and grade 1 ptosis, or slight sagging. The lollipop technique makes two incisions: one vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and the other along the border of the areola. A mini vertical breast lift is a modification of the lollipop incision procedure, where the vertical incision is changed to finish above the fold beneath the breast rather than extending down to the breast crease. And don’t worry, the objective is to increase breast shape, correct nipple position, and provide a natural lift without leaving too much scarring. However, to ascertain the optimal technique for your goals, a plastic surgeon must examine you.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It would be difficult to say whether this approach would be suitable without knowing more details about the patient. It may or may not be possible.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is possible to avoid the lollipop incision altogether by doing a variation of the Benelli or mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

With the lollipop lift I make sure the vertical incision dies not go down too far and end it above the inframmamary crease.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

A lollipop incision is used when the nipple/areola is only slightly low and does not require much vertical movement to achieve it’s correct position and the distance between the nipple to the patient’s fold is relatively short. As the nipple/areolar complex is moved upward, the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold increases, but not enough to require any additional skin removal or tightening, therefore minimizing the incision length.   Have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon who can explain this in detail and demonstrate it on you. Best wishes.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It all depends on your exam and your desired goals.

Slight ptosis can be improved with small implants, without a lift in many patients.

Minor lifts such as around the nipple or lollipop can be performed if only nipple position and not a lot of loose skin needs to be addressed.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to best discuss your options and expectations.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you do not have much excess skin or sagging, the vertical lift can be done and the incision does not always have to go down to the fold.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Each plastic surgeon while I have their own view of what is or isn’t appropriate in regards to breast lift techniques.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community to get a better assessment and better understanding of treatment options.
Without seeing pictures, we can’t begin to make an assessment.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD.

Is it possible to do a mini vertical breast lift with a lollipop incision?

Answers (10)

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