Why do so many breast lifts look square and is there a method that can prevent that?

I nearly always do a vertical, or lollipop breast lift. The anchor lift should only be done in very droopy breasts; in my very busy breast practice I do an anchor lift only every few years. The anchor lift is notorious for producing boxy breasts. The vertical lift, however, produces a narrower and very projecting breast. This is one of the very few instances in aesthetic surgery where the procedure with the shorter scars (i.e., the vertical lift) actually produces a better result than the procedure with the longer scars (the anchor lift). I recommend you see a very experienced aesthetic breast plastic surgeon. All the best.

Breast lifts may look square when the anchor incision stays in the breast fold like a bra strap. I like the incision to curve slightly onto the outer breast similar to the underwire of a bra. Liposuction of the side of the breast/ chest helps minimize a boxy shape; as does adequate removal or repositioning of lateral breast tissue.

The anchor incision is notorious for square looking breasts. The problem with the anchor incision is the breast tissue is removed centrally. A better technique is The Bellesoma Method. This uses an almond shaped pattern which removed inferior and lateral breast tissue to create upper pole fullness. This technique avoid the vertical scars, maintains nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear myguy_shyguy,
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 a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

I use the vertical lift on most women, except those will a large amount of excess skin, and the boxy look is not really a problem. However, if it occurs, it can be revised.