Ask a doctor

Follow-Up Question: Is the lollipop or anchor technique best for me? (photos)

I am 44, 5'3" 160lbs. I wear a 36H. One PS told me that my breasts are very dense. He said there was very little sagging and that he would not have to move the nipple far. The problem with him is he only offers the keyhole or anchor technique and always performs nipple grafting. He said I would have drain tubes for three days. Another PS said I would be a good candidate for the lollipop procedure with no drain tubes and less scarring. All opinions are appreciated.

Here is a link to my previous question.

Doctor Answers 9

December 9th, 2016

Breast Lift / Breast Augmentation/ Breast Implants/ Anatomic Gummy Bear Implants/ Silicone Implants/Tuberous Breasts

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

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. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size.

It takes 6 weeks to heal and I wait 12 months before any scar revision.

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

Learn more: http://beverlyhillsbreastandbodyinstitute.com

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS
September 30th, 2016

Preference between Lollipop and Anchor Lift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

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.

Learn more: http://www.horowitzmd.com/plastic-surgery-procedures-newport-beach/breast-lift/

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
September 28th, 2016

Mastopexia w/lollipop scar

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thanks for submitting your photos. My advise to you will be a mastopexia surgery with lollipop scar. I do not use any dren for breast surgeries. Please consult with a plastic surgeon. Good luck...



Ozge Ergun, MD
September 26th, 2016

Vertical Breast Reduction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You would likely benefit from a vertical breast reduction with lollipop scars with a small anchor component.  You should not need free nipple grafting.  Using this technique your breasts will be lifted, decreased in size, and give you an improved aesthetic result.  Good luck

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS
September 24th, 2016

Lollipop or anchor

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for your question.  You do not need a planned nipple graft for your breast reduction.  An anchor technique will allow for the greatest ability to contour your breasts.  Be sure to consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Learn more: http://www.farrismd.com/breast-procedures-dallas/breast-reduction/

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS
September 23rd, 2016

It depends

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You have large voluptuous symmetrical breasts.  Any procedure you do is going to leave visible possibly cosmetically unattractive scars. If you are happy with the volume of your breasts (H cup!) I would recommend you do nothing, as the resulting scars will be very noticeable and I feel would detract the natural beauty of your breasts. 

In light of the large volume of your breasts, I would recommend a breast reduction in the future, when you probably start having problems with back, shoulder, neck and postural difficulties due to the weight that needs to be supported by your bra.

As long as you are not a smoker, I do not feel that any nipple grafting (taking the nipple off as a skin graft and sewing it back on higher) would be necessary.  This also may preserve normal sensation to the nipple and areola as a nipple graft will be permanently numb.

Philip Lambruschi, MD
Arlington Heights Plastic Surgeon

September 23rd, 2016

What type of technique for breast reduction

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I am assuming you are going for a breast reduction. In that case I would recommend an anchor technique. I personally don't use drains and I don't feel by looking at your pictures that the nipples would have to be grafted. That assumes you are not a smoker and are otherwise in good health. It would not hurt to get another opinion in person.

Paul W. Loewenstein, MD
September 23rd, 2016

100% anchor incision

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You have beautiful breasts that are symmetric, but very large.  In order to maximize your results, you will 100% need an anchor lift.  Your nipple to inframammary fold distance should roughly be 3.5 cm less than your base width to have the prettiest proportion and best looking breasts possible.  Let's say your breast base width is 14 cm...your nipple to fold distance should then be 10.5 cm.  Now imagine bringing your nipple up 5 cm (roughly 2 inches) with your "lift".  Your new distance from your nipple to your fold will be 5 cm longer, right?  If you don't have tissue and skin removed in the lower pole of your breast (through the transverse incision that is hidden in your fold anyway), that distance would be way to long and give you a cosmetically-displeasing result.  I'm happy you posted pictures- that makes giving advice much easier.  No one should ever offer you a free nipple graft- that's just crazy.  I would think most plastic surgeons do not use drains for breast reductions.  I hope this helps.  I think you need to keep searching for the plastic surgeon that is right for you.  Look at their results and choose what's best- you deserve the best result imaginable.

-JGH

J. Garrett Harper, MD
September 22nd, 2016

Lift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I would suggest avoiding a nipple graft with your size. The lollipop incision might work very well for you. That would be the procedure I would suggest just looking at your photos. If you want a significant reduction, you might need the anchor lift.

Connie Hiers, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.