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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for your question. I can certainly understand your concerns, which are valid. Without seeing photos, however, my thought is that since an anchor approach was not used by your original surgeon in the first place, it would probably not be necessary for revisional surgery. I do believe that a vertical extension may be required as this would redistribute the skin better (especially if you want to decrease your implant size, leaving more skin) while still helping to maintain the natural roundness of the breast. The scar usually heals well over time quite well and has usually not been a problem for patients in my practice. In any case, I usually reserve the anchor technique for only the most extreme situations as I feel it has too many downsides over a more conservative approach. I hope this helps and have a wonderful day! Dr. Kayser - Detroit