Crescent Vs. Full Lift with Breast Implants

I would agree with the periareolar / possible lollipop and breast augmentation opinion. Depending on factors such as implant size, tolerance for scars, need for projection, etc. a full lift might also be necessary.
We do not favor the crescent lift because it distorts the areola and is a weak lift, especially with your degree of asymmetry.

We prefer to use the #short-scar #technique, “#lollipop scar” or “#donut lift” rather than the majority of surgeons in the United States that use an anchor pattern lift which involve more significant #scarring.The #crescent lift removes a small amount of skin at the top of the areola. We find that there is very little lift and the areola becomes oval in shape and distorted with this method. Also, often patients will have a better shape to their breast such as increased superior fullness if an implant is used at the time of #mastopexy.

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, how large (a "C" cup means different things to different people), what shape do you want to have, do you want more cleavage as your breasts are widely spaced apart, etc? The best way I have found is to bring in a medical photo from a plastic surgeon's website for discussion.  I would anticipate that the look  you desire may range from a periareolar lift to a lollipop type. If you want only a breast augmentation - make sure you discuss above the muscle (gives you a slight lift by itself) vs below the muscle implant position.

Hi there-
Please be aware that recommendations made based on photos should always be taken with a large grain of salt, as it is not possible to understand the qualities of your tissues in two dimensions....
Having said that, I think that if your goal is for your breasts to be as beautiful as possible, you would be best served by a breast lift (lollipop or inverted-T) with implants.
The most important thing, however, is NOT the procedural details, but the SURGEON you choose to do this on you. Choose well, and you should be happy for many years.
How to best choose a surgeon you like and can trust? Please read this:

Great question. From your photos it appears you have some asymmetry which you would benefit from correction with a breast lift. An implant alone will not be appropriate, and the peri-areolar or crescent lifts end up widening the areola and flattening the breast. I would recommend a vertical mastopexy with an implant on both sides because the scars should match. Discuss this plan with your board certified plastic surgeon.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Trussler

I believe that an augmentation with a lift is necessary. Whether a periareolar or a vertical (lollipop) lift is used depends on how much movement is necessary in the surgeons opinion to achieve the best result. Typically if the nipple needs to be raised more than 3 cm then the vertical lift will be necessary. You must realize that in surgery the lift portion of the procedure is very artistic, Each lift may be temporarily performed once the implants to determine the which lift will achieve the desired shape.

One reason why you have received different opinions about which version of a lift would be the most appropriate is that it can be very difficult to predict how much "lift" you get with implants alone. That in turn depends to some degree on the size of the implants. My guess is that with moderately sized implants you would not need the vertical, or lollipop version. So one strategy that we frequently use is to put the implants in first, then sit the patient up and determine how much lift was accomplished. At that point we decide whether the full Benelli (periareolar) lift, creascent, or sometimes no lift is do be done. That way it can all be accomplished in one stage. Another thing to consider is if you want the diameter of the areolas reduced. In that case, it would be a Benelli regardless.

When considering breast augmentation with a lift, the choice between a crescent lift and a full lift depends on several factors, including the degree of breast ptosis (sagging), the desired outcome, and the patient's anatomical characteristics. Here's a comparison of the two procedures:
1. Crescent Lift:
• In a crescent lift, a small crescent-shaped incision is made at the upper border of the areola.
• This technique is suitable for patients with minimal to mild breast ptosis.
• It is often combined with breast augmentation when the nipple position needs slight adjustment or when a minimal lift is required to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
• The crescent lift is less invasive compared to a full lift, resulting in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time.
• However, it provides limited lifting capability and is not suitable for significant breast sagging.
2. Full Lift (Mastopexy):
• A full lift, or mastopexy, involves more extensive incisions and tissue rearrangement to address moderate to severe breast ptosis.
• The incisions typically encircle the areola, extend vertically down the lower pole of the breast, and sometimes include a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold (anchor-shaped incision).
• This technique allows for greater lifting and reshaping of the breast tissue, repositioning of the nipples to a higher position, and removal of excess skin.
• A full lift is often recommended for patients with significant breast sagging who desire a more substantial improvement in breast shape and position.
• While a full lift results in more extensive scarring compared to a crescent lift, the scars usually fade over time and can be concealed beneath clothing and swimsuits.
Choosing between a crescent lift and a full lift with breast implants requires careful consideration of factors such as the degree of ptosis, breast volume, skin elasticity, and the patient's aesthetic goals. During a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your individual anatomy, discuss your desired outcome, and recommend the most suitable surgical approach to achieve your goals while minimizing scarring and optimizing results.

Thank you for the question and pictures.

Your pictures demonstrate asymmetric breasts ptosis.  I think you will be best off with a breast augmentation in combination with a circumareola and/or vertical mastopexy procedure. A crescent lift will not be effective.

You are doing the right thing by educating yourself about the pros and cons of each type of procedure. Keep in mind that most patients who undergo mastopexy surgery are pleased with the results. As long as they are happy with the improvements in size, shape (contour), and symmetry  they are accepting of the scars.

I hope this helps.

My answer is based on your photo so please note this may not be "my final answer". From the photo it appears you do not need a lift on the right side as the nipple is above your breast fold. On the left side, there appears to be loose skin in the bottom of your breast and the nipple is slightly lower.
The amount of ptosis on your left side seems minimal, so I recommend a donut lift to reduce the size of the areola (which is large relative your breast) and tighten the skin at the same time. In my experience, a crescent lift is always under tension and the scar widens with time. Although your right nipple is in good position, the areola is also large relative to your breast. Therefore, you may consider a donut lift as well, to reduce the size of the areola. Good Luck.