Crescent lift or anchor lift? (Photo)

Question

I have been for a consultation and advised i could get implants with a crescent lift or an anchor lift. I was concerned about scarring with the anchor lift but worried the crescent will not be enough to lift the breasts and look pert!! I want the nipples to be higher and more volume underneath. I would appreciate some advice.

David A. Caplin, MD · Answer

To achieve an adequate lift you will likely need an anchor-type lift.  However, if you are also planning on increasing the size of your breasts with implants you should look into shaped "Gummy Bear" implants.  They can be remarkably effective tools when trying to correct or camouflage breast droop and work extremely well in conjunction with a breast lift.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

Every type of lift has its advantages and disadvantages. More powerful lifts for women with severe drooping are excellent, but require more scars (such as the anchor lift). It doesn't look like you're in that category. At the other extreme is a crescent lift, which really doesn't reshape the breasts at all. Very few women would benefit from a crescent lift, mainly those without actual breast drooping who want to correct a very mild difference in the height of the nipples. In between are concentric mastopexies (lifts) with scars around the areolas (useful for minor lifting and tightening, usually in combination with implants). A circumvertical mastopexy adds a vertical scar and is perhaps the most versatile, providing lifting and reshaping without the long scar beneath the breasts in the fold. It all depends on what's most important to you. A good plastic surgeon should spend the time to understand your goals, then discuss the options that might work best in your case and with your desires.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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. The #nipple-areola complex can be repositioned
higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breasts are reshaped in a pleasing
contour and in a more normal position.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

A crescent lift is not a powerful enough operation to improve the shape of your breasts in the way that you would like to see.

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Dear ClintonLooking at your photographs, my suggestion would be to perform a lollipop type pattern for the breast lift (also known as vertical scar), but also incorporate a short transverse scar in the breast crease - this is usually only about 6cm long.Your mild (and completely normal) breast asymmetry could also be addressed at the same time.Good luck!

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

Your left breast is lower and more saggy than the right breast. You may need a vertical lift on the right and an anchor lift on the left. In surgery we will only use the minimal amount of scarring that is needed.

Christopher W. Chase, MD · Answer

Based on the photo, it appears that you have asymmetrical breasts.An implant will give you some degree of a lift and that depends on the size and placement of the implant.Once the implant is placed, the type of lift necessary can be verified on the OR table using a "tailor tack" technique that essentially confirms the shape, symmetry, and nipple position prior to making the incisions, thus minimizing the degree if scarring as much as possible while achieving the desired result.it appears that you will need more lift on the left than right.Make sure your surgeon is a real board certified Plastic Surgeon and you should be able to trust their judgement.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

I would recommend by your picture that you should do a vertical lift (lollipop).  That will give you the best result.  Good Luck.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

A crescent lift will slightly elevate your nipples but will not correct the breast sag.  A vertical scar (lollipop or anchor) will give the best shape.  Large implants will decrease the need for a lift, but that is not necessarily what you

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.If you are happy with your current volume, then an implant is not necessary. A crescent lift will not be enough to lift, reshape or reposition your breasts. The Horndeski Method (TM) can lift and reshape your breasts without the vertical scar or implants. This technique makes the new breast mound high, firm and will stay lifted long term. Scars are hidden around the areola and infra-mammary crease. FYI, vertical incisions weaken the lower pole causing the lift to be temporary. It also tends to pull the areola down. Adding an implant with any type of vertical scar component will cause a 'bottoming out' effect; making a revision necessary. Please know that implants cannot lift breasts. Adding more weight to your breasts makes the problem worse in the long run. Please visit the breast lift revision and breast lift with augmentation revision forums on this site for more information. I hope this helps.Kind regards,Gary Horndeski M.D.

Crescent lift or anchor lift? (Photo)

Answers (20)

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