Am I a candidate for a lollipop/short-scar breast reduction? (Photos)

The full breast or anchor lift takes the vertical lift pattern and adds a horizontal incision under the breast and in the inframammary fold.   This type of lift is used to remove the most amount of skin and to tighten the skin and tissue envelope maximally.  It is frequently necessary in vertically long breasts to remove enough skin to create the appearance of round and tight breasts that do not appear to be hanging. Your best feedback concerning the breast reduction scar that is right for you will occur following an in-office consult with a board certified PS.

I’d be careful with a lollipop scar for a breast reduction. Good candidates generally need smaller reductions, less of a lift, and have good elasticity of their skin and soft tissues.Most patients with significant size and ptosis (descent) of the breast tissue would be best served with an anchor scar. This method is consistent and reproducible, and allows for better removal and shaping of tissue and appropriate coning of the breast.If your main concern is limiting scars, I’m sure you can find someone who will  do it, but I’m afraid it will not yield a cosmetically appealing result.Having said all this, I give all my patients a scar care routine with starts about 3-4 weeks after surgery. In those patients who follow instructions, scars can heal quite well. The vertical scar in particular almost disappears in some patients.Hope this helps! Kind regards.

Your photos suggest that you would not achieve an adequate reduction or lift with a limited scar procedure. It is unlikely that you would be satisfied with the outcome of a lollipop type procedure unless you were willing to sacrifice greater lift and volume reduction for the lesser scarring. 

I do not recommend vertical scars because they do not adequately lift the breasts and are very unslightly, particularly in darker skinned women.  For that reason, an alternative was developed called The Bellesoma Method.  This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction.  Vertical scars avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

For a breast reduction/breast lift there are many different methods which means generally that there is not a single best way for each and every patient or plastic surgeon.  I would suggest several consultations and careful discussion on the reason behind what each doctor recommends.  Make sure to carefully consider the before and after photos of the doctor you choose.

Thank you for the question and photos. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you however from reviewing your photos you would a good candidate with anchor technique reduction mammoplasty. With lollipop tech it is difficult to address the vertical excess skin. It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

I don't agree that the lollipop breast lift has easier recovery or longer lasting results and wouldn't recommend it for you. I do think it is an excellent procedure in may cases but not when there is the degree of sagging that your pictures show. 

Dear newself19,
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 thatsbeing 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 personally think the lollipop incision leaves patients with more bottoming out of the breasts later on.  The anchor incision is more reliable and gives better long term results, especially with heavy breasts and a larger reduction. Good luck, Jane

First, be wary of a Plastic Surgeon who says that they "never" do a specific technique and always do it one way.  Everyone is different and so different approaches and techniques may be necessary for different people.  I personally use the anchor technique quite often because it reduces the distance from the nipple to the fold and creates (in my opinion) a much more stable breast lift than with a lollipop incision alone.  That being said, I used to do the lollipop method almost exclusively but have changed my preference over the years.  In your case, I would definitely do the anchor method and would also think about using mesh as an internal bra to help better support the lower pole of your breasts.  I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACS PCEOBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Published Author