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

Question

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.

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. 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

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.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

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...

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Vertical Breast Reduction

Answer: Vertical Breast Reduction

Answer: Lollipop or anchor

Answer: Lollipop or anchor

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.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Vertical Breast Reduction

Answer: Vertical Breast Reduction

Answer: Lollipop or anchor

Answer: Lollipop or anchor

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.