What's the difference between an anchor lift and a lollipop lift?

There's more difference between the two approaches than just the length of the scar. The anchor or wise pattern reduction/lift is the oldest and most common technique in the past 40-50 years. There are several newer techniques which end up with  a lollipop final scar. My personal preferred technique is the lollipop technique since 2000. It does give a better breast shape. More projection and a short scar. You can wear a bikini top with the lollipop method, which is not true for the anchor technique. Often in the later, the scar does go into the lateral chest wall or cleavage. Many times the breast tissue descends below the horizontal scar with a depleted upper pole. In very large breasts, an anchor scar technique might have an advantage. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Thank you for the question. One of the main differences between these two types of breast lifting procedures  involves the pattern of skin/tissue removal. The "lollipop" breast lift describes a procedure where the incision is placed around the areola and vertically on the breast mound. The "anchor" breast lift involves the circumareolar, vertical, as well as a horizontal excision and scars. You may find the attached link, dedicated to breast lifting concerns helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.