Excess skin left under breast post breast lift. How could this be treated? (Photo)

Question

I feel my surgeon has left me with excess skin below the breast after my breast lift. Please see photos. I'm interested to see other surgeons opinions when I asked him what the solution would be. He said that he'd be happy to excise skin if the breast doesn't drop into the skin.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

This is a very common occurrence with "lollipop" scar breast lifts. The reason for this is that it does not remove any of the vertical excess because there is no horizontal resection pattern. You need a completion anchor type lift.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

This is a totally normal and acceptable technique . . . a Vertical Mastopexy. You will be shocked at how that skin will shrink to nothing and hide in the crease. Having said that, sometimes a remnant "dog ear" can remain which can be revised 6 months after the original procedure. I use this technique and I find I need to revise the skin in a bout 25% of the cases. I hope this helps. Thanks for the inquiry!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nikiperth,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Keep an open communication with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns. We would also be available to see you in person and discuss your revision options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals!

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!from your pictures it looks like you had a vertical breast lift (lollipop incision). The immediate result always looks weird . this way of doing breast lift aims at lifting the inframammary fold by recruiting the excess skin at the bottom which takes time and a lot of hand holding . If within 6 months or so you are still having the same issue after the breast settles or if you end up with a long nipple to IMF distance then converting the incision into an anchor incision by taking an inferior wedge should fix the issue .I hope this helps, best of luck!

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and pictures.  Your surgeon performed a LeJour or Vertical mastopexy which often if the lower end of the vertical scar isn't pulled and bunched up at the time of surgery, ends up looking like this.  In cases where the vertical excess is minimal the scar can possibly retract some and correct.  I am afraid, however, that is this case the solution is to remove excess skin with a horizontal scar along the inframammary fold.  This will then give the correct shape and harmony to the breast.  If the breast "falls" as your surgeon suggests without removing lower breast skin, the nipple will likely be too high and pointing upwards.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

the most common problem associated with a lollypop scar pattern is what you're experiencing: residual vertical skin excess. This problem is easy to fix: convert to an anchor scar pattern. In your case, the current incisions do not need to be re-executed, only more skin needs to be removed where you see it hanging.

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Excess skin along the breast fold after a circumvertical (lollipop) breast lift is not uncommon. Given time, this will often resolve on its own. I typically wait up to 6 months to allow for resolution. If excess skin remains at that time, it can usually be removed in a minor office procedure. Good luck.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Your breasts appear to have been elevated to a super normal position. Your surgeon stated that he’s waiting for the breasts to settle to their final position, however, should your breast fall to the lowest portion of where your incision line is, your nipple position, which is presently at the central portion of your breast will now be sitting at the very very top portion of your breast. This is quite difficult to correct. Having said that, the best way forward is to allow all your incisions to heal, the breast position to fully mature and stabilize, and then to decide on a way forward to improve the shape and contour of your breasts.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos it appears you are early in your recovery.  Give yourself time to heal and the tissues to settle.  If after a few months you are still concerned you can have a revision to your lift.  From your description it seems your surgeon is willing to work with you.

Excess skin left under breast post breast lift. How could this be treated? (Photo)

Answers (15)

More Breast Lift Questions

Areola stretch - does this indicate the need for an anchor pattern?

Brest lift between two pregnancies? (Photo)

Can I get a lift with minimal scars? (Repost with better pictures)

Y pattern breast lift

Can I get a Lift with minimal scars? (Photo)

Will a breast lift on 32DDD/G breasts hold up over time?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS