Periareolar lift without implants for tuberous breasts? (Photos)

Tuberous breast is not, technically speaking, a "yes" or "no" question. There can be different points on the continuum. The typical hallmarks include a high, tight fold with "puffy" or distended areola, minimal breast tissue and potentially herniation of the breast tissue through a tightened ring thus the "tuberous" label. It is a congenital deformity which usually manifests at puberty. To what degree it manifests will vary from one patient to the next.

Treatment of tuberous breasts varies depending on the degree of the breast architectural distortion. Surgical correction typically involves:

-areolar reduction

-submuscular augmentation

-release of constricted breast tissue

All of these techniques work in concert to correct the tuberous deformation of the breast.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Donovan Rosas MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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I prefer a vertical lollipop lift. If you are doing any degree of "lifting", putting the stress of the lift on the scar around the areola can lead to unsightly stretching and also not properly address the shape of the breast. In a vertical mastopexy, all of the lifting stress is on the vertical scar, and the areola is simply laid into place with no tension resulting in a more crisp, round areola. Having said that, you have minimal ptosis and the implants alone may meet most of your expectations. One can always do a lift later in a staged fashion if desired. I hope this helps. Thank you!

Yes, you appear to be a good candidate for this type of lift. Internal restructuring of the tissue can also be done. I would consult with your surgeon to go over this in detail.

Dear maria9528,

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

A periareolar lift can minimally raise the position of the nipple and downsize the areola. The drawback is that it doesn't have a big impact on shape and the areola can stretch after surgery. Computer simulations are not accurate depictions of what you can expect in terms of outcome in many cases. I encourage you to visit a few board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and learn more about options.

Computer simulation has a little to do with doing surgery.
For that reason, I generally rely on actual before and after pictures of previous patients.
Ideally, a provider should have enough examples to be able to find lots of pictures of previous patients who had similar body characteristics.
Actual results will show you what the outcome is going to look like and how many of these procedures the surgeon has done.
The computer generated images did not look like a breast lift, but rather a breast augmentation.
Always bring a complete set of breast pictures of yourself to use as a reference during consultations.
Use pictures of yourself to compare when reviewing before and after pictures with the surgeon.
Ask them to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of the before, and after pictures of the previous patients who had similar looking breasts.
Experience surgeons should have no shortage of pictures to show you.
I always recommend patients consult with several plastic surgeons before selecting a provider.
I’m not a big fan of periareolar lift a.k.a. Benelli lift a.k.a. donut lift. It’s never a yes or no, always or never.
The procedure is good for some patients under some circumstances.
Too many times I see poor long-term outcomes.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD