Breast lift and augmentation. Is an anchor incision the only way to fix my breasts?

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They then get to choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear Eclectic630044, thank you for your question, before anything it would be good to see some pictures in order to evaluate your case. But most of the time the anchor insicitin is the best option. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

It is difficult to answer your question without photos or in person evaluation. Generally speaking, small breasts even with significant atrophy and ptosis (sagging), will probably need only vertical, lollipop scar if implants are used. Good luck.

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. However, there are 2 alternatives to consider. One is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed. The other alternative is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers or small implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Eclectic630044,
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

You did not show photos, so I cannot be specific. The anchor incision is used in women who have a fair amount of excess skin. The vertical incision is used when there is less excess skin.

Hello and thanks for your question. Breast Uplift&Implant operation can be performed with different techniques such as anchor, lollipop, donut and etc. The best technique that can be used may vary depends on the patient's body structure and situation. You should have the plastic surgeon consultation to find the best technique for your unique case.

Hi and welcome to our forum!Photos are essential to determine the exact nature of your concern. During pregnancy or following significant weight fluctuation, breast enlargement may lead to overstretching of the overlying skin. The skin thins and permanently stretches to accommodate the increased volume, but after childbirth or weight management the breast loses volume, but the damaged skin envelope does not shrink, leading to sag. Visible stretch marks often indicate the severity of the overstretching. Some individuals may demonstrate sag without previous pregnancy or weight fluctuation. In generalities, a crescent lift will only lift (and distort) the superior aspect of the areola. A periareolar lift will only lift the breast 2 cm or less. Attempting more will be associated with pancaking of the breast and pleating of the incisions. A vertical (or lollipop) lift will lift the breast if the distance from the top of the breast bone to the nipple is increased, but the distance from the nipple to the fold beneath the breast is relatively normal. A full pattern lift is recommended if the distance from the top of the breast bone to the nipple is increased and the distance from the nipple to the fold at the bottom of the breast is also increased.The procedure will restore the conical shape of the breast, place your nipple-areolar complexes into normal position, and will increase superior pole fullness as well.Best wishes...