How much lift does a periareolar lift provide?

Question

I am a c cup and want to have an areola reduction as well as a breast lift without implants, however i dont want a vertical scar. I am 19 years old and my sagging is minimal, i want to lift 1-1.5 inches, could I get away with a periareolar lift or would i need a traditional lift with a vertical sacar?

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi icmc98.  Thank you for your question!  During a physical exam, I examine the position of the breast on the chest, position of the inframammary fold, and the position of the nipple to the inframammary fold.  Depending on the patient's skin quality (thickness, stretch marks, inelasticity, etc.), a periareola lift can sometimes do a good job of lifting in particular when combined with an implant.  Also, I take into consideration the actual size of the breast and where the sagging is present (lower pole of the breast or the entire breast). 
In general, a periareola lift is approximately less than an inch of correction, but when combined with an implant or different techniques, it can create a good visual result for the patient.  Other times, it's not enough of a lift to make a difference.  It really depends on the examination done during an in-person consultation.

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Everyone has different experience with this lift, but personally I dislike it. I find the following complications happen many times if not all the time:1. Irregular (jagged) scar around the areola2. Increase the areola size3. Flattens the breast4. Very little liftI would promote no lift at all or a vertical scar. Best of luck!BH

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The periareolar lift mainly raises the nipple into a better position. Its only good for lifting the nipple a minimal distance. It wont do too much to the breast architecture. The only way to really know what lift would give you the best result would be to evaluate you in person and take measurements. Please make sure you are being evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon.Ankur Mehta MD

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.   I do
not ever recommend a Bennelli or circumareaolar (donut) lift.  Over time,
the areola tends to enlarge with a thickened scar.  The other even worse
problem with a circumareaolar lift is that it flattens out the shape
of the anterior breast over time.  A vertical or wise pattern lift with an
implant can result in a very nice shape if good technique is
used.    The size of the implant is based on your desired
breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality. 
This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with
equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their
results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert L. Steely, MD, FACS · Answer

good morning!Periareolar lifts are great tools to adjust nipple vector and areolar size with a very modest actual lifting of the breast.  When you see thick unattractive scars from a periareolar lift it is due in many cases to a surgeon trying to make this procedure perform more lift than it is designed to do.You are a young woman.  It would be ideal not to do a full lift on your breasts unless absolutely necessary.  Be sure you are consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon that has many years of experience dealing with these issues.I hope this helps.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and an excellent question.  In general you can achieve no more than 1-2 cm of vertical lift with a donut/periareolar technique,  2.54 cm is one inch.  This lift technique is best used to modestly reduce areola size, centralize and even out asymmetry between areola, and slight lift--good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear icmc98,
this is a question which requires a detailed in-person examination or at least good quality photos. Only after examination you will know if you are a good candidate for this procedure. i would recommend you to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

A periareolar lift provides 1-2 cm of lift, but not much more than that.  It can be used to also reduce the areola as you alluded to.  However, since you're so young, I'd have to see you in person, as it would be rare to need this type of procedure, although it's possible.

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  A periareolar lift can provide 2-3 cm of lift before it starts to cause a flattened appearance to the anterior part of the breast.  At this point, a vertical incision is typically added, which helps to shape the lower pole and add projection.  If you truly need 1-1.5 inches of lift, and are totally opposed to a vertical scar, a periareolar lift alone could be done, just as long as you are aware that you would be pushing its limits.

Donald W. Hause, MD · Answer

The short answer is about 2 cm (3/4 of an inch) at most and the reshaping of the breast is minimal. With increasing lifting with that technique the breast becomes unacceptably boxy and unnatural. At 19 years old, you have a lot of living to do and avoiding visible scars is probably the best choice for the time being. Although you did not submit any photographs, at this point, assuming you don't want to be bigger, I would probably forego any surgery. However, go get a consolation from a an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a great reputation and see what they say. Best of luck.

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