Age 28, no children, 34DD cup, like a lift no implants - what type of lift would you recommend? (Photos)

Thank you for your question and picture. Based on the picture you send and your stated desires for a lift and areolar reduction, I would likely recommend a full lift with an anchor scar although at times a vertical or lollipop lift might be enough. This would require in person exam. As for the areolar reduction alone, in your case it would not result in too much of a lift, would potentially flatten the breast some and if done to a significant amount can result in scar spreading and recurrent enlarged areola. Be sure to see a Board Certified PS for your consultation, and best results.

Dear eavanca117,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your inquiry, you are a good candidate for a reduction through a peri-areolar incision and your wish breast is obtainable with this technique, best of luck.

Your breasts are large and very full (heavy). This narrows it down to a 'Lollypop' scar pattern or the 'anchor' scar pattern. They are different in that the lollypop relies on a circumareolar skin reduction to achieve vertical shortening, and the anchor scar doesn't need to. The most common poor outcome for a lollypop scar pattern is residual vertical excess and 'dropout'; the fix is conversion to an anchor scar. Although an anchor scar pattern us not immune to that same problem, it is much less common. In general, the anchor scar pattern lift or reduction produces better scars and shape. An interesting note: The 'lollypop' pattern was conceived of and propagated by surgeons in the 1990's, where it was widely adopted by non-US surgeons. US surgeons began adopting the technique later. Today, most non-US surgeons have gone back to the 'anchor' scar pattern (because of more reliable and predictable results), while many US surgeons are fixated on the 'lollypop'. When I look at the majority of leaders in breast surgery here and abroad, the 'anchor' scar pattern is used most frequently no larger or more ptotic breasts.

The technique I recommend 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. The areolas can be reduced to the size you desire as well.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello @eavanca117, thank you for your question. The type of lift you should choose depends largely on the experience and opinion of your plastic surgeon and your personal goals. Generally, there are three types of breast lifts: Lift with Anchor incision, Lollipop Lift, and L shape incision that for me gives the best results for Breast lift. The latter it's a technique that I developed and allows me to remove excess skin, reposition breast tissue in order to create a better shape and cleavage with the BRALift (Breast Anatomical Lift) technique. I have made a modification to improve the extension of the scar being the L shape for minimal scarring and the most adequate result. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, meets your expectations, and takes into account what is possible. I link a video to shed more light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Based on your photos and desired results, a vertical or lollipop breast lift would likely be the best option for you. This type of lift is designed to reshape and reposition the breasts while also reducing the size of the areolas and creating a more youthful and lifted appearance. This technique involves two incisions: one around the areola and another from the areola to the breast crease. This allows for more significant reshaping and repositioning of the breast tissue compared to a periareolar lift (also known as a "donut lift"), which is typically used for mild to moderate sagging.

Regarding an areola reduction without a lift, it's possible that this could result in some minor lifting due to the removal of excess tissue and skin, but it would not provide the same degree of reshaping and repositioning as a breast lift. It's important to note that a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be necessary to determine the best course of action for your specific needs and goals.

I hop this helps,
best of luck !

You would do best with a vertical lift to raise and reshape your breasts. Just the peri-areolar lift would not be sufficient for shaping.

From your photos it appears you are a good candidate for a breast lift with or without implants. A standard lift will raise the position of the nipple, downsize the areola and remove excess skin. If you are wanting more upper pole fullness without implants you could also consider auto augmentation which uses your own tissue. I've included a video on that procedure which I hope you find helpful.

Hi, thanks for your question and photos. You can have excellent results with Mastopexy or Breast lift. A circular incision around your nipples can reduce your areolas. Besides, a vertical cut from the areola to the bottom of the breast can lift the breast as you want. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a physical exam. Good luck!