What are the benefits and advantages of anchor lift? Pros and cons?

Question

I want to revise a previous periaerolar mastopexy. 1st surgery- I saw 4 docs- 2 vertical suggestions, 2 benelli suggestions. No talk of anchor. Now that I need revision for widened scars & aerolas& want to downsize implants, I have gotten anchor lift suggestions- why? I am 7 mos post op. I have sili implants. Here are my fears: crease incision too high or low- seeing this incision in bikinis. Boxy shape of anchor lift. Not healing well at scar juncture. Is relift harder to get right?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  Anchor lift mastopexy involves removing a lot of skin and reshaping the breast tissue.  For patients with a lot of excess skin and a low nipple, this can provide a dramatic improvement in shape of the breast mound and nipple position.  On the other hand, there are more scars on the breast.  Any breast lift has risks like poor scars, numbness or nipple loss, wound healing problem etc.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Here is a rule of thumb that works for most patients. If you nipple is above your lower breast crease then often a periareolar lift will be sufficient for most patients. If your nipple is at or below your crease then a vertical lift (lollipop lift), inverted T or anchor pattern may be required. This is what works best in my hands and the use of a Lollipop technique can lift your breast to the perkiness you desire without about half of the scars. However, other plastic surgeons are more comfortable with an inverted T or Anchor Pattern technique. In general I would pick the best Surgeon and explain fully what you want to achieve rather than the technique. Always insist on a board certified Plastic Surgeon.The answer to your question lies in letting you surgeon know specifically what you would like to look like following the surgery. For example, how perky do you want to be, what shape do you want to have, etc.?  However from your description  it would appear that a lollipop type lift would be best for you. periareolar lift.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You have to be seen in person to determine what would benefit you. Depending upon how much volume you have, you may consider implant removal first and then potentially a lift once the tissues have settled.

Kenneth D. Christman, MD · Answer

Whether or not you need an anchor lift will depend upon your present appearance and your goals.  If you are a nonsmoker, healing at the juncture should not be a major problem, although it might be delayed in healing.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

I have found that when you compromise the extent of the operation in exchange for a smaller scar you compromise the results and you have a less-than-satisfied patient. I almost never do a circumareolar mastopexy because the lift is minimal,, it may cause areolar distortion and it flattens out the breast.If you consult with an experienced plastic surgeon and express your concerns (s)he should be able to explain how those concerns can be addressed.  Scars are permanent so make certain you understand what to expect.

What are the benefits and advantages of anchor lift? Pros and cons?

Answers (6)

Answer: What are the benefits of anchor lift?

Answer: What are the benefits of anchor lift?

Answer: Breast Lift

Answer: Breast Lift

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What are the benefits and advantages of anchor lift? Pros and cons?

Answers (6)

Answer: What are the benefits of anchor lift?

Answer: What are the benefits of anchor lift?

Answer: Breast Lift

Answer: Breast Lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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