Would I benefit from a donut breast lift? (photos)

Question

Will I benefit from a donut hole lift. My Dr said I'm a good candidate and that I will not get much more of a lift from the anchor.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You are absolutely not a candidate for a donut lift (very few people are, and those that are end up not getting a lift because their nipple position is close to 'normal'). Your breasts hang, and your nipples are at the bottom of the hanging portion facing downwards. Only a true breast lift that contains a vertical component will give you a lovely breast shape. Check to make sure the doc you've visited is really board certified, and has lots of examples of 'anchor scar' lifts. In addition, ask the doc to show you pics of women with breasts like yours that got a donut lift.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

A donut breast lift, also known as a periareolar mastopexy, involves removing excess skin and tightening around the areola to lift the breast. It is typically recommended for women with mild sagging or those seeking only a slight lift. A donut lift might is not the best option for you if your breasts have significant ptosis (sagging), with nipples pointing downward and located below the breast fold. 
A more extensive lifts like the anchor lift (wise pattern) or lollipop (vertical) lift is more appropriate . These techniques provide a more comprehensive lift and reshape the breast better, especially when there is a significant amount of sagging.
If your primary concern is to improve breast shape and elevate the nipple, a full breast lift with an anchor incision is likely a better solution. The donut lift would not offer as much elevation or fullness, and there are concerns about it potentially flattening the breast or leading to stretched scars.
It’s crucial to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can examine your specific anatomy and discuss your goals in more detail before making a decision.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A full breast lift with the anchor incision would most likely be more suitable for you, as your nipples are located below your breast fold and are pointing downward. A donut incision would not be enough for you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

As others have stated, your breasts are too ptotic for a donut lift. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @jolina1028 thank you for your question. Based on your photos, it looks like you might be a good candidate for breast pexy with L shape incision. An examination by a board certified plastic surgeon will provide you with more information and recommendations. Best regards. Alan Gonzalez MD

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
I perform donut mastopexies all the time- I love them- but you are a little too saggy to be a good candidate- you won't be pleased- I would definitely recommend a vertical or full anchor for your situation!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size implants, if interested. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jolina1028,
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. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

The donut lift is generally a poor procedure since it flattens the breast and generally leads to stretched out scars. Also it does not lift the breast. It is occasionally approperate for patients who have good size and shape breasts and just need an aerola reduction. You need a lollipop or anchor lift to get your very low nipples  to the center of your breasts and reshape your flat breasts into a conical breast shape. You might want to consider small implants to assist your breast shape. You are a very poor candidate for donut lift. Please get an in person consult from a different plastic surgeon. Good luck.