Can a donut lift fix the poor scarring? (Photo)

Question

Had a lolipop lift on one breast. I'm so embarassed by the scarring and shape of my areola. Would a donut lift be able to excise the thicker part of my scar near the top?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether a donut lift can fix the scarring on your breast after a lollipop breast lift. Based on your pictures, I would suggest a donut or Benelli mastopexy. During a donut or Benelli mastopexy, a 360 incision is made around the skin of the areola. Scar tissue in the shape of a donut is removed around the perimeter of the areola and can be made smaller. In your case, prior scar tissue can also be removed. Then, a breast lift can be done if needed. If the scar bothers you too, I would suggest this type of surgical revision. I hope this answers your question regarding hypertrophic scarring after a lollipop mastopexy. 
If you have any more questions regarding the breast lift or mastopexy, capsular contracture, or breast implants in general, please contact my office.  Since your breast surgery requires a revision, which is more difficult than an initial breast lift, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of breast lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 breast lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric  Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

I do see that scarring at the top of your areola, have you tried Kenalog- 40 injections to try and flatten it out? It looks like it may be a bit hypertrophic. If that doesnt help, yes I do think you could have a "Donut"incision to excise your previous scar and re-suture it closed. I hope that helps!Thanks

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Yes it can! I’m not sure how long it has been since your surgery, but usually, if you give the scar enough time to mature it will get lighter in color and might not look so bad. In any case, a donut lift will get rid of that scar and might even help make your breasts a little tighter. It will slightly lift your breasts as well.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! Part of the response depends upon the date of your past breast surgery.
If within one year, scar management is your best option. Topical therapies work really well. You might also consider laser therapy. With reduction of the scar visibility the shape of the areola may be fine, as the scar blends in with the areolar border.
If your surgery was over a year ago then you would be a candidate for surgical revision. Donut pexy is an option and I would recommend permanent suture, likely gortex, to hold shape and size. You might benefit from further revision of the vertical scar.
I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon. You can find one at plasticsurgery.org.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Feelinglost16,
you might need a scar revision surgery. Scarring can be minimized with a number of techniques including meticulous closure, nonuse of absorbable sutures, 6 weeks of taping followed by silicone scar therapy. I often recommend a product called biocorneum to prevent hypertrophic scars. Prices range from $1500 to $5000.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the thick area of scarring can be revised or you could try micro-needling to improved all the scarring.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Only 1 posted photo at a bad angle?? I think you need complete scar revision of the breasts lift vs only scar revision of N/A complex. Fee $3,000+++. Best to post better photos or virtual consult with...

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photo, I note red, somewhat thickened scars around the areola, suggesting scar immaturity. I can't comment upon areolar shape as it is oriented obliquely in the photo. We have no information as to how long ago the procedure was performed. If it has been less than 18 months, I would recommend continued conservatism, consisting of silicone gel sheeting applications to the area. If more than 18 months, you may consider laser therapy or scar revision (you don't need a donut lift). Steroid injections into the scar may flatten them but there may be pigmentary loss of the skin about the treated areas.Discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes...

Can a donut lift fix the poor scarring? (Photo)

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