Am I a candidate for a donut lift or do I need a full breast lift? (Photo)

Question

Currently a b-cup looking to get a breast lift w/small implant. ll Wanting to go to a full B/small c..just to fill these deflated balloons. My question is if I would be a candidate for a donut lift or do I need a full breast lift which I’m trying to avoid if possible?

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for a breast lift. The exact type of lift will depend on the distance between your nipple and the breast crease. Based on the photo, you may require a lollipop lift.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your nipples appear to be below your breast fold and possibly pointing downward. Therefore, a full breast lift would be recommended. Without one, the implants would sit too low on your chest since they need to be centred behind the nipples.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

My recommendation would be for a vertical lift with implants.  Both breasts are ptotic but one side is significantly more.  You would need over 2 cm of lift on both sides.  For a donut mastopexy, you can obtain about a 2 cm lift max before the skin starts to gather excessively around the areola.  A better option is a vertical lift with a moderate implant in the 250-275 cc range.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
The augmentation with implants would be great to better fill out your upper chest cleavage and provide volume behind the nipple region, which would help provide some lift. The larger the implant, the greater the lift impact. You have asymmetry between the nipple areolas, and it looks like one side the nipple is below the level of the crease. You would need asymmetrical lift. You may get a donut on the less droopy side, possibly more of an anchor on the lower side. Or it is possible the less droopy side would not need a lift and you can get a donut on the lower side. Possibly. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for in person visit, implant sizing and discussion of what would be the best lifting approach for your presentation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Maybe your right breast, but your left breast will not do well with a donut lift. You will never achieve good symmetry either. Do yourself a favor and do the right thing by getting a formal mastopexy. You won't regret it.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The lollipop lift is a much better option. It will work better to achieve symmetry. Donut lifts are notorious for giving poor result.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jfunk84,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Measurements are needed to be sure, but a doughnut lift will probably work well for you. You do not need the anchor incision.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

I feel you might require a lollipop mastopexy with your implants.  Especially the lower left breast.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

The left side does appear a little bit lower than the right and I think it would probably need a full lift to correct that and give you a full hi perky look. It does depend a little bit on how big of an implant you choose, your surgeon should be able to help you pick the right size for you. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert