Why is it difficult to convert benelli lift to lollipop lift?

Question

I have read a lot of answers on here and some say that it can be difficult to convert a donut lift gone wrong into a lollipop lift, what are the reasons for that?

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I do not think is would be a problem to convert a peri-areolar lift to a vertical mastopexy. In fact, you will have a better outcome with a more shaply, durable lift and the areola will be crisp and round. I would not hesitate to proceed. Thank you for sharing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sensible57165,
generally speaking, it is possible to convert benelli lift to lollipop lift. Benellis lifts are always limiting. A vertical lollipop lift would have been my recommendation from the beginning, which should provide you with great results. I would stay away from anchor type pattern lifts (Old School Surgeon Technique) as they tend to flatten the breast and make a boxy appearance. Aggressive scar management would likely yield virtually invisible scars after the lift as well.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not necessarily always an issue, but for some people who got a Benelli too much skin was removed in the lateral vector, making a conversion impossible without size reduction of the implant, something many women don't want. Also, when too much skin was removed in the vertical vector, leaving the upper edge of the areola too high, only an anchor scar pattern lift can be performed, with the same issue of needing to reduce size.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

It hard to say without talking about a specific case. So If you have photos it would be good to post a follow up question with the photos. I can only asume that a donut lift gone wrong means that the breast were not lifted enough. If that is the case it is probably because the patient needed a more aggressive lift to begin with. Basically she was never a candidate for a donut lift. The difference in lift between a donut lift and a lil iPod lift is usually minimal. So if the is a true issue with a donut lift the most practical way to fix it is with a traditional anchor lift.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Hope this helps,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A benelli lift can be converted to a lollipop lift.  Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs.  Also, a donut lift can be repeated.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

That’s a great question. With a benelli lift skin is tightened from not just the tip but from the sides. That skin is needed to convert to a lollipop or anchor lift. So when the lift is converted the skin could be too tight

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

Both the Benelli lift (also known as a circumareolar or donut lift) and the lollipop lift (vertical lift) are surgical techniques used in breast lift procedures to address sagging or ptosis of the breasts. The difficulty in converting from a Benelli lift to a lollipop lift or vice versa is primarily associated with the differences in the incision patterns and the extent of tissue manipulation involved in each technique.1. Incision Patterns:• Benelli Lift: This technique involves making an incision around the areola, creating a circular or donut-shaped scar. The advantage of the Benelli lift is that it results in a scar that blends well with the natural border of the areola.• Lollipop Lift: In addition to the circumareolar incision, the lollipop lift includes a vertical incision that extends down from the areola to the inframammary fold, creating a scar that resembles a lollipop. This allows for more significant lifting of the breast tissue.2. Tissue Manipulation:• Benelli Lift: The Benelli lift is often suitable for cases where mild to moderate breast sagging needs correction. It primarily involves repositioning and tightening the skin around the areola.• Lollipop Lift: The lollipop lift is more versatile and is effective for moderate to severe breast ptosis. It allows for additional reshaping by removing excess skin both around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.Converting from a Benelli lift to a lollipop lift may be challenging because the initial incision and tissue adjustments made during the Benelli lift may not be sufficient to address more significant sagging that requires the additional vertical incision of the lollipop lift. Essentially, the transition may necessitate revision surgery with the creation of a new vertical incision and further reshaping.The decision between these techniques depends on the individual's breast anatomy, the degree of ptosis, and the desired outcome. It is crucial to discuss these options thoroughly with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable approach for achieving your aesthetic goals.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually, it is not difficult to convert the per-areolar lift to the vertical lift. Typically with the peri-areolar lift, the actual breast is not lifted that much.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s a bit technical, but if you look up the skin excision patterns of the two procedures, then you should be able to understand the problem. A lot of skin is removed around the areola for the Benelli lift.
For the lollipop lift more skin is removed in the lower part of the breast rather than around the areola so patients are still left with the problematic excessive skin excision from the first procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Why is it difficult to convert benelli lift to lollipop lift?

Answers (9)

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