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Crescent Mastopexy and Implants for More Youthful Breasts?

I am 21 years old, 130 lbs, no pregnancies. I hate the shape and size of my breasts. I want a more youthful appearance and bigger size but I am scared of the scars of the lollipop Mastopexy. Will I be able to get a good lift with a Crescent mastopexy and Breast Implants?

Doctor Answers 55

March 10th, 2014

For best result a lollipop breast lift not crescent is your best option

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Thank you for your question and photographs.  An examination in person is required for your best answer.  However based on your photographs it seems likely to will need at least a lollipop lift to adequately reduce areola size and lift the nipple areola and remove excess breast skin for your best results.  Please consult on expert board certified plastic surgeon.

Learn more: http://www.realself.com/question/breast-lift-breast-implants-revision#1251999

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS
March 26th, 2011

Crescent mastopexy vs. an Inverted-T mastopexy

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from your pictures it appears that the only way that you will be able to get perky breasts is to have an inverted-T or lolly pop breast lift. a crescent breast lift will not adequately lift your breasts.

Learn more: http://www.beautifulself.com/breastlift_ptosis.htm

Sean Younai, MD, FACS
June 22nd, 2009

Look at pictures

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I have met 18 year old women who needed a breast lift who had not had children. I would recommend you see a few plastic surgeons and see what your options are. In my personal opinion the crescent lift almost does nothing more than give you a scar and may possibly make a formal breast lift more difficult in the future due to blood supply issues. You will get a variety of opinions but consider your options carefully. I meet many women for revision surgery who had less surgery than they should have at their first surgery and they regretted it. Best of luck.

Dr Edwards

Learn more: http://www.medwardsmd.com/plasticsurgery_questions1.html

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS
June 23rd, 2009

You may be a good candidate for a circumareolar lift

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From the picture, you look like you may be a good candidate for a circumareolar lift or mastopexy with augmentation. However, it really is hard to tell without examining you in person. Also, please do not be scared of the scars. The most important is the resulting shape which should not be compromised because of fear of the incisions. Good luck with your surgery.

David Shafer, MD
June 22nd, 2009

Don't try to pick the surgery because of the scars

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Your photo shows a moderate amount of ptosis (drooping) and large areolae. A crescent mastopexy would most likely make your areolae vertically longer and not adequately "lift" your breast. At minimum, you would be best served by a periareolar mastopexy (around the entire areola), but your best bet would be a vertical (lollipop) mastopexy.

Don't try to pick the surgery because of the scars. The right procedure will get you the best result. In my experience, the vertical scar is usually the least visible and has the smallest width.

Ricardo Izquierdo, MD
Oak Brook Plastic Surgeon

June 16th, 2012

Crescent Lift Doesn't Lift Much

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I would not recommend a  Crescent lift  for you. It would is only for breasts that need little lifting and in general doesn't accomplish much in terms of lifting. A lollipop incision breast lift, also called mastopexy, would be an ideal technique for you and would allow as much reduction and perkiness as you desire. It would also reduce the size of your areola if you wished.To see some typical before and after photos of  patients similar to your appearance and give you an idea of what to expect please see my web site.

Learn more: http://pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast/lift/

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS
June 23rd, 2009

You will look great with a breast lift

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I would definately do breast lift with an incision around your nipple. I would put the implant in above the muscle and then do a nice lift around the areolar complex. This will reduce the size of your areola and give you a lift. Go above the muscle.

Definately see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon...and see lots of pics.

Good Luck!

Andrew T. Cohen, MD

Andrew T. Cohen, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 45 reviews

June 22nd, 2009

The right procedure is as important as the scars

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Based on the picture you have submitted, it is somewhat difficult to determine which procedure is best for you. To achieve a better shape and the lift you desire, my best recommendation would be a breast augmentation with a circumareolar mastopexy (incision around the entire areola).

This procedure will not only give you a lift , but will reduce the size of your areola and give you projection and reestablish fullness in the upper pole of your breasts. The scar you will be left with will blend in with the edge of your areola.

You should seek at least two board certified plastic surgeons opinions before making your final decision. Make sure you are comfortable with your decision before proceeding.

David A. Robinson, MD
June 22nd, 2009

Not a good choice for you.

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Hi! I answered another of your questions, right?

When a patient is not happy after a breast lift, it is almost never because of the scar. It's that she doesn't like the shape. So don't compromise on the shape. This is a very important point.

The lift has to be done internally without relying on pulling the skin. Skin stretches, and if the surgery relies on skin tension, you will quickly get sagging again.

A crescent breast lift will not do much for your shape. The good news is that you don't need a lollypop scar either. I think you can get a great result with a "doughnut" breast lift, where the scar is just around the nipple. This approach also makes your areolas smaller, which will improve your shape even more.

Women worry a lot about the scars before a breast lift. After surgery, I almost never hear about the scars. And it is not because the scars have disappeared. It's because the patient is very happy overall and accepts the scars (which do fade) as the necessary trade off.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired)
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

October 15th, 2015

Crescent distorts the shape of the nipple

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You would be far better off doing a mastopexy (vertical/lollipop) in terms of breast shape and projection that trying to do just a crescent lift on the areolar. Usually this minimal kind of lift leaves you with an oval shaped areolar and very little lift. Good luck!
Elizabeth A. Kinsley, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.