Do I need a crescent breast lift? (photo)

Question

I think I need a breast lift with implants. I was told (not by a doctor) that I will need a lift, although I really don't want a scare as the "lollipop" lift makes. If I'm correct the "crescent" lift is the top of the areola and the scare left is hardly noticeable. What do you think my best option is? Do I really need a lift?

York Jay Yates, MD · Answer

The optimal breast lift technique is difficult to assess based on a photo alone.  The support and elasticity of the tissue are difficult to estimate on a photo.  That said, I am not a big fan of the crescent lift.  It is an incision pattern that I used to use more commonly but experience has shown me that the best candidate for a crescent lift is the patient who really doesn't need a "lift" at all but maybe just a little evening out of nipple asymmetry.  

	You can certainly do an augmentation mastopexy without the vertical lollipop scar but you may not be happy with the droop of the lower pole.  An experienced plastic surgeon could help you with this decision.

	York Yates MD - Utah.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Though an exam will be necessary, I suspect the main issue with your breasts will be the degree of residual skin laxity in the inferior aspect of the breasts after the implants are placed. A crescent lift or circumareolar lift will not address this issue. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast lifts and breast augmentations each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

This is just my opinion based on one set of pictures but.....I think the crescent lift is a poor choice in most women and the wrong choice for you...It looks to me like you make even need a FULL lift and that means even more scars, which I know you are nervous about. Remember the saying..."Small scars give small results"...

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Forget the crescent lift.  You need a full mastopexy and you do not need implants.  The scars from the lollipop lift heal quite nicely and is a good option for you.

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, 

	It is difficult to tell from your photo, but it is likely that you will benefit from a breast lift (mastopexy).  There are different scar patterns and techniques for a breast lift.  Each will acomplish different things. A crescent lift is a very limited lift with a scar at the top of the areola. It does not move the areola much and it does very little "lifting."  I would say that this is unlikely to help you very much.  A more impactful mastopexy with a vertical (lopllipop) or anchor pattern would most likely be needed.

	Make sure to consult your plastic surgeon about your options and best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I think the operation you referred to is not very good. The incision has to be long enough to permit the surgeon to accomplish the aesthetic goal. Seldom is a semicircular incision at the top of the areola good enough to allow it.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

There are many different types of breast lift and each one is designed to take care of increasing degrees of breast sagging or ptosis. Unfortunately there are no short cuts with breast lift surgery. Many times the patients would prefer a lift with less incisions but it is not always possible. A plastic surgeon will be able to examine you and select the correct operation to meet your expectations. In you case with the amount of breast tissue below the inframammary crease you will need at least a vertical mastopexy and possibly an anchor type. This will give you the beast result.

Steven Svehlak, MD · Answer

I have done many of the crescent lift procedures. This type of lift does leave a minimal scar and heals well. It is best for someone who has some asymmetry between the areolas or if only a small lift is needed. It appears from your photo that a more aggressive type of lift such as a Lollipop lift or even an anchor scar type lift will be needed. It all depends what your desires and expectations are. Some patients would be happy with some ptosis and others want a very tight and lifted look. Thanks for the question

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Without an exam, I am a bit reluctant based on this photo to determine if a lift is "needed" or not. I am not reluctant to say that a crescent lift is not needed--if you need something, it will be more than that. 

	I cannot tell on this photo where the breast fold is. The lower part of the areola should be even with or above the fold, or a lift would be a consideration if you are getting implants (or without implants if you feel your areolas should be higher). Your breasts are a bit low set on the chest, so the usual 20-22 cm measurement from the top of the breast bone to the nipple will not be a good standard. 

	If you are uncertain about the need for a lift, one can always be done in the future if you find the look of implants alone did not meet your goal. I would do that sooner than a crescent lift, which to my mind is a procedure that results in a scar but no lift. 

	All the best.

Do I need a crescent breast lift? (photo)

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