What is the difference between a bilateral vertical breast lift and a standard mastopexy bilateral?

Question

I have been to a few consultations two of the doctors suggested standard and other doctor suggested that other I'm really confused. One suggested subpectoral augmentation mammoplasty. The other suggested a vertical lift with textured siltex memory gel. I do need a lift, but m confused. My goal is to be a Full C an look an feel natural. I have thin chest skin. I'm 53 113 pounds. My current size is 32\34B

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A vertical lift does not have the scar under the breast as does an anchor or standard lift.  Subpectoral placement of the implant is frequently the better choice.  In most patients, I will place the implant under the muscle and use a vertical lift to reduce implant related complications and overall scarring.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

The vertical breast lift attends to the width of the breast and lifts the breast and nipple upward.  The standard breast lift allows the surgeon to adjust both the horizontal and vertical aspect of the breast.  The vertical breast lift leaves you with a lollipop scar whereas the standard breast lift leaves you with an anchor-type scar.  The word bilateral in your question refers to the fact that the breast lift is done on both sides and not just one breast being lifted.  As to your confusion over which technique to choose, it is more important to choose the right surgeon and allow the surgeon to choose the right technique.  Choosing the right surgeon requires you pick a Board Certified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has excellent online reviews, works out of a certified surgery center, uses a Board Certified anesthesiologist, has good before and after online photographs, and has a personality that you feel comfortable with.  Plastic surgery is a process, not an event.  Be sure that your surgeon and his or her staff stand behind their work assuring you that you will get as close as possible the results you and your plastic surgeon agreed upon.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello Pillar and thanks for asking this question which is a common one to see on this website.  I do wish you had provided a picture or two of you to help provide a good answer.  The anchor scar type of lift is best for one who has significant droop and excess skin.  The lift that only gives you a scar around the areola and a scar from the areola to the crease lifts a bit less, however, a good choice for someone with only a little sag.  Sometimes, I even perform a lift with only the areola scar itself.  The type of implant does not, in my opinion, change the type of lift required.  I do suggest silicone implants over saline when someone is small like you and thin chest skin.Sounds like you need to see at least one other plastic surgeon for their opinion.  Look for experienced plastic surgeons and ask to see pictures of patients who have had all different type of lifts.Good luck to you.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

They are two sides of the same coin, no technical differences between them, the surgeon may make more emphasis in reducing or lifting up, but is the same procedure.There are hundreds of different techniques, better or worse, safer or riskier, but all of them have the same cutaneous patterns or scars, which group in 3:-Wise pattern (aka inverted T or anchor): all-purpose usage, applicable to any case and accessible to any surgeon-Arie-Lejour pattern (aka vertical or lollypop): only in selected cases meeting requirements and also in surgeon expert in them-odd patters: in "J", "W", short T, "comma", etc etc etc.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking. Breast lifts have different incision types based on the amount of excess skin breast envelope that needs to be treated. The longer incisions produce better shape in patients with more excess. Augmentation if done may have a small change in skin tailoring. Clearly you have somewhat different opinions in plan. Only an in person exam can best determine your needs. Ask your PS to show you examples of all types of lifts. Best wishes

What is the difference between a bilateral vertical breast lift and a standard mastopexy bilateral?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast reduction = breast uplift

Answer: Breast reduction = breast uplift

Answer: Differences between breast lifts

Answer: Differences between breast lifts

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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What is the difference between a bilateral vertical breast lift and a standard mastopexy bilateral?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast reduction = breast uplift

Answer: Breast reduction = breast uplift

Answer: Differences between breast lifts

Answer: Differences between breast lifts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.