Lollipop vs. Anchor lifts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? (photo)

Question

Why do some doctors prefer the anchor method over lollipop lifts?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

A mastopexy or breast lift operation is designed to improve the
shape and position of the breast without reducing their size. It is used for
breasts which sag or droop (ptosis). Sagging of the breasts may occur with
normal development for some women, or as part of the aging process. Pregnancy,
breast-feeding and weight loss are other conditions which increase breast
ptosis. Some patients will have a better shape to their breast such as
increased superior fullness if an implant is used at the time of mastopexy. The
procedure can also be combined with a minor breast reduction to reduce the
breast width if desired. The surgery will create an elevated, more youthful
breast contour. Also, the procedure will create nipple and areolae of the
desired size and at the correct height.
I prefer to use a #shortscar technique, #LollipopScar or #DonutLift” rather
than the majority of surgeons in the United States that use an anchor pattern
lift which involve more significant scarring.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Every Plastic Surgeon has his/her own level of knowledge, experience, skill, training and talent. This all goes into the  decision making process. Personally, to get the best result with your breasts- you would need - in my opinion- an anchor lift with possible implants- if you desire more volume.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The lollipop lift is more for mild to moderate droopiness. For moderate to severe droopiness the anchor lift is needed. The anchor includes a horizontal scar which is in the crease under the breast; this is what's needed to help shorten the excessive droopiness (the longer distance between the nipple and the crease under the breast). Hope this helps explain the need for one approach over the other. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster and drains are not necessary. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.  Best of luck!    Dr. Schwartz Board Certified Plastic Surgeon#RealSelf100Surgeon #RealSelfCORESurgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without an exam and learning from you more information about your wishes it is hard to give you a definitive answer. The answer to your question lies in letting you surgeon know specifically what you would like to look like following the surgery. For example, how perky do you want to be, what shape do you want to have, etc.?  Here is a rule of thumb that works for most patients. If you nipple is above your lower breast crease then often a periareolar lift will be sufficient for most patients. If your nipple is at or below your crease then a vertical lift (lollipop lift), inverted T or anchor pattern may be required.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Most anchor lifts can be avoided with properly executed vertical lifts.  However, a vertically long breast may need the horizontal extensions of the anchor lift to shorten this axis.

Ariel N. Rad, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Hello!I often perform breast lifts with a lollipop scar and, based on your photo, you would be a good candidate for this given that your nipple position is not so low to warrant the additional anchor-shape (in the natural under-fold) scar. The anchor-shaped scar in the natural under-fold of the breast becomes necessary if the nipples are at the very bottom of the breast skin envelope and if the breasts need reduction. Another option is with the anchor scar and peri-areolar scar (around the areola) only, without the vertical scar connecting the two. While the anchor scar is  longer, it's mostly hidden, and the advantage would be avoiding a visible vertical scar. You would also be a good candidate for that approach, as well. Scar patterns vary and it's important to tailor the best approach for each patient's unique situation.Best of luck in your search,-Dr. Rad

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

As a general rule, if the nipple/areolar doesn't have to be move more than 2 cm upward, a lollipop incision will work well.  If more elevation is needed and there is too much excess skin in the lower pole of the breast, an anchor incision works best as it will address all of those problems.  The length of incisions is shorter in the lollipop lift but I have never had a patient who accepts a lesser result to have shorter scars.  Done well, the anchor lift scars are very well hidden.  Best wishes.

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

A lift places the nipple and areola (NAC) on the most projected part of the breast. If movement of the NAC is a short distance then a verticle lift is required. If the distance is longer then a inverted T lift may be best. Find a doctor with results you like and go with their recommendations.

Robert Caridi, MD · Answer

Most cases can be managed with a lollipop scar unless the breast is particularly large and wide. The benefit of a lollipop scar over an anchor scar is that it is shorter. Physician training has a lot to do with their preference for either scar technique.

In your case, I would suggest a breast implant and small breast reduction through a vertical technique that leaves a lollipop shaped scar. This would move your breasts up your chest, remove the saggy tissue so it doesn't fall down after treatment and shape the most youthful breast. But there are other options depending on where you want to go. It's always a good idea to visit with several surgeons as this will help you make the best decision.

Lollipop vs. Anchor lifts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? (photo)

Answers (14)

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