What are the pros and cons of different breast reduction surgery techniques? Which do you prefer, and why?

Question

It seems like there are various types of breast reduction/lift surgery techniques -- anchor, SPAIR, vertical/lollipop. Which are the most common, which have the best aesthetic results, and which have the fewest complications?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

There
are numerous breast reduction techniques and many have come and gone.  The ones that remain can be divided into 3
classes: the circumvertical, the anchor and the Bellesoma.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma
Method.  This will reduce and reshape
your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them
higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to
the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without
excessive reduction.  Vertical scars are
avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  I have not done the anchor, SPAIR or lollipop
in over twenty years because of the dissatisfaction with the vertical scar.  Pedicle techniques used in these procedures
result in nipple numbness and the inability to breast feed.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. There are numerous factors that will determine the right breast reduction technique for you, but the main one is the amount of reduction you need to achieve your desired results. As a general rule, the more skin and tissue you need removed, the more extensive your incision will be – in other words, greater reduction usually requires a lollipop or anchor incision while less correction can sometimes be performed with an incision around the areola. I advise you to see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast reduction procedures for specific advice and recommendations. Good luck to you!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and very large or ptotic breast require the anchor technique and smaller or less droopy breasts can be done with the lollipop method so there is no one size fits all... it depends on what you are starting with.  And if your nipples are way low, a nipple graft may be needed.  And if your breasts are low on your chest, elevation of the mound may be needed and a lollipop will do that better.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear, thank you for your question! It is hard to give you an answer because all of these are excellent techniques that achieve good results. I'd say anchor lift is a really good one and the outcome is great but the scar might be a little hard to fade, it needs to be done properly. I usually practice the lollipop one and my patients are always satisfied with the results. Hope this helps, Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

Breast reduction surgeries typically involve different techniques, such as the anchor, lollipop, or vertical incision methods. Pros and cons depend on factors like individual anatomy and surgeon expertise. 
Common techniques include:
1. Anchor (Inverted T)a. Pros: Effective for significant reduction and reshapingb. Cons: Longer incisions, potential for more scarring2. Lollipop (Vertical Incision)a. Pros: Shorter scar than the anchor methodb. Cons: Limited for extensive reductions3. Vertical Incisiona. Pros: Reduced scarring compared to anchorb. Cons: May not be suitable for larger reductions
The preferred technique varies based on patient needs, surgeon preference, and desired outcomes. Consult with a skilled plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for your specific situation.

What are the pros and cons of different breast reduction surgery techniques? Which do you prefer, and why?

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