Pros and cons of a periareola breast lift and implant ?

Question

My plastic surgeon said I could go either way a periareola lift or a lollipop lift. What are the pros and cons of the periareola lift? I would love to receive this procedure because of the minimal scarring. Just looking for my information about this procedure

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast 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 if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The periareolar lift saves you the vertical scar but it can only lift a few cm before flattening the breast excessively.  If you need more than just a couple of cm lift, a vertical gives you a nicer shape.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The periareolar lift doesn’t really lift the nipple much if at all. In addition the areolae tend to stretch out and the scars widen. The lollipop lift is far superior. I can’t even count how many unhappy patients I’ve seen from periareolar lifts who should have had the lollipop instead

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hellonewboobies22,
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. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The peri-aerolar lift is more limited and provides much less breast shaping. If the nipple is slightly low and your shape is good, then this should work well.

Michael S. Wong, MD · Answer

Dear hellonewboobies22,
Thank you for your question. If both the periareolar or lollipop lift are both in play, then that means that the incision around the areola will be under greater tension in the periareolar lift than the lollipop lift that distributes the tension of the closure over a greater area and through longer scars. This will lead to increased risk for areolar scar spreading as well as areolar flattening.
I hope you find this information helpful and wish you well this holiday season!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The periareolar lift approach is very limited and provides only a minimal lift.  The tension from the implants on the incisions can also cause the areola to stretch.  The lollipop lift may be the better option.  I've included a video on this approach that I hope you find helpful.