During a breast lift, will the surgeon lift my nipple, thus lifting my entire breast or tuck it under, sew it then take it out?

There's a lot of hype regarding different lift techniques. The best lift for you would give you an ideal shape which would be long lasting and have minimal or acceptable scarring. Photos can help but realize that some less than honest surgeons retouch their photos to show better scarring. Best to ask for actual patients to speak to. Hope this helps.Leland Deane, MD FACS

Dear samjake,

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, it is actually breast tissue that is being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, the best shape and contour could be
achieved with a vertical or wise pattern breast lift.   A vertical or wise pattern lift can result in a very nice shape if good technique is
used.   Make sure you specifically look at before and
after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your
surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to
find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation
with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in
person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

During a mastopexy I do not remove the nipple.  I make an incision around the nipple, it remains attached.  The excess skin is removed and the nipple is sewn to the new location.  This maximizes the chances of preserving sensation and minimizes the risks of nipple loss.

Hello and thank you for your question. While it is difficult to assess your unique situation from your photographs alone, it does appear that your nipples will need to be repositioned to achieve the natural look you want. Every surgeon has their own preference on the technique used to achieve this goal, but one of the most common is to create a lollipop incision that extends around the areola and down the lower half of the breast to the crease. With this incision, it is simple to create the long-lasting lift you want while placing your areola and nipple in an aesthetically pleasing position on the breast. The precise technique used for the nipple repositioning is not as important as the skill of your surgeon. I recommend you look for a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon who can tailor this procedure to your specific needs and desired outcome for the best possible results. Best of luck to you!
- Damon Thomas, FRACS

There are dozens of different breast lift techniques.  Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast lift/reductions frequently and they will explain which technique they prefer to use.Good Luck!

Thanks for your question.  The answer to this question truthfully depends on many factors.  One issue is the scar pattern that is used, and a second is the way that the surgeon treats the breast tissue and nipple under the skin.  There are multiple different techniques described, and the most important thing is that your surgeon uses a technique where he or she feels they can get the best, most predictable result for you.  This can be surgeon dependent and there can be more than one right answer.  Although you look young in your photograph, you have grade II ptosis and a significant amount of excess skin.  When possible, I favor a technique that doesn't rely on the skin to maintain the shape of the breast in cases such as yours, like  vertical scar pattern.  I recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Most importantly, you should be comfortable with the surgical plan and satisfied with the answers your surgeon gives to these important questions.  Good luck! 

I think that I answered your questions before, but usually with a lift the nipple is lifted sometimes the areola is made smaller, the skin is tightened and trimmed, and the gland is molded. I often use a vertical lift to minimize scarring.