What's wrong with the donut lift?

A periareolar breast lift or donut lift can decrease the diameter of the areola and reposition the nipple areolar complex. It does tighten the skin around the nipple, which can flatten the breast. A high profile implant can help to eliminate the flattening with its shape. A periareolar breast lift is rarely indicated as a stand alone breast enhancement procedure. It is important to choose the right breast lift to help achieve the desired look.

The Benelli, or doughnut lift, is a lifting technique that involves making two successively larger circles around the areola, removing the skin in between the circles, and then closing the incision.This technique is best used for patients who need elevation of their nipple, but not removal of a lot of skin. If this technique is used inappropriately, excess tension results. This excess tension can cause the areola to spread and become widened. Many surgeons use a permanent suture, placed in a circular fashion around the areola, to help prevent areolar widening. When a significant amount of skin needs to be removed, a better choice is a lollipop incision. This uses an incision around the areola, and an incision that runs from the areola down to the crease under the breast, to reshape the skin and breast.In person consultation with a plastic surgeon will help you learn more about breast lift and determine which options are best for you. 

There's nothing "wrong" with the technique if it is used in the correct setting. (very small lifts, areola reductions).  When considering significant lifts or in combination with implants, I prefer not to use the peri-areolar lift.  Good luck and be safe.  John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon