Deciding between Benelli lift or the lollipop lift? Which would be best to achieve a full breast shape and projection? (Photo)

Hi Aussiepomme,     You actually have three options.  Either straight breast augmentation, Benelli lift with implants, or lollipop lift with implants.  Each will give you acceptable results.  If you are not concerned about scarring, then clearly the lollipop lift should be considered.  As far as the lollipop scar goes. Not all techniques produce the same scar quality.  A breast lift that relies on the skin to lift the breast often produces poor scarring.  On the other hand, a breast lift that reconstructs the breast from within, with very little skin tension, often produces excellent scars.  Good luck,Ary Krau MD FACS

The key to success lies in letting you surgeon know
specifically what you would like to look like following the surgery. For
example, how perky do you want to be, what shape do you want to have,
etc.? However from your description it would appear that a lollipop
type lift would be best for you rather than a periareolar lift. Here is a rule
of thumb that works for most patients. If you nipple is above your lower breast
crease then often a periareolar lift like the Benelli procedure will be sufficient for most patients. If
your nipple is at or below your crease then a vertical lift (lollipop lift),
inverted T or anchor pattern may be required



The Lollipop incision for Grade 3 or 4 ptosis (areolar near
or below your breast crease) works best in my hands and the use of a Lollipop
technique can lift your breast to the perkiness you desire. However, other
plastic surgeons are more comfortable with an inverted T or Anchor Pattern
technique.The donut lift does tend to both
flatten and have scars widened as you are removing skin around the areola which
causes tension in that single area causing it to "spring' apart over time.
With the Lollipop incision the tension is spread out over a greater distance of
the lower vertical scar (where the areola once was) causing less tension on the
areola and entire closure. The vertical lift tends to cone the breast making it
more shapely (conical) and less flat.
For a visual take a paper circle, cut out a small wedge on the bottom and bring
the edges together to see this effect. In general I would pick the best Surgeon
and explain fully what you want to achieve rather than the technique. Always
insist on a board certified Plastic Surgeon.

I would suggest that if you want upper pole fullness, you might be able to do an implant without a lift at all.  I certainly would not suggest a Benelli lift.

I
never use the lollipop lift because of the ugly vertical scars and the Benelli
lift is inadequate to lift the breasts significantly.I recommend a new technique called The Mini
Ultimate Breast Lift™.Using only a
circumareola incision it is possible to reshape your breast tissue creating
upper pole fullness, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to
increase your cleavage.Aligning the
areola and breast tissue over the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes
anterior projection without the use of implants.This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars
of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to
breast feed.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Because the Benelli removes skin from the center of the breast, this causes flattening and in my opinion, it decreases projection of the breast.  Generally the skin excess is in the lower half of the breast and this is why in your case I believe a lollipop lift (vertical mastopexy) is needed.  You should have a good result, but skin removal will be necessary to give you the best result possible.Best of luck with your surgery!

Thank you for your question.My preferred approach is with a circumvertical mastopexy with a superior pedicle technique ("lollipop" lift) because it provides excellent upper pole fullness and breast projection.  The Benelli lift does come with less scars but you lose the increase in projection and upper pole fullness that you can achieve with the other technique.  In addition, the vertical scar in the "lollipop" lift fades very well with time.I hope this helps.  Good luck with your decision!William J. Vinyard, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPalm Beach, Florida

Thank you for your pictures.  I believe that a lollipop lift would give you the best projection and shape.

Thanks for the question, you have great anatomy and a lollipop lift will give you a better shape with or without an implant!

Thank you for your question.If you are not concerned about the scars, then the vertical lift gives a "perkier" look.  The Benelli style breast lift can dome the breasts and take away the natural cone shape of the breast.To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.I hope this helps.

If you want the best breast shape and projection, than you need a lollipop lift. A Benelli lift will lift you areola only, and will not address the sagging lower breast tissue. This will give you pancake breasts, much less desirable. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.