Which breast lift techniques are best?

Hello @SDlivin, thank you for your question. When it comes to breast lift techniques, the answer is highly dependent on your individual case. The most important factor in deciding which technique(s) to use is the opinion of your plastic surgeon, who will have assessed factors such as skin laxity, breast size and shape, and other individual characteristics that can determine the best approach.
That said, there are a few specific techniques that may be considered. For example, I always perfom a breast lift with an L shape incision that allows me to reposition and improve the shape of the breast with minimal scarring by raising the base slightly and improving the overall proportion with minimal scarring. Ultimately though, each case should be evaluated on its own merit by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon before recommending a surgical plan to ensure you get optimal results tailored to your needs and preferences. 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)

Hello! There are oh so many factors that play a role in terms of longer lasting lift results and it can get complicated. Some of these factors you can influence (such as refraining from smoking, utilizing bra support as much as possible, staying out of the sun and using UV blocking lotion, etc.) and some of these you do not (tissue elasticity and your own genetics).
An internal bra/sling is a relatively newer technique which helps support your own tissue to aide in giving you the longest lasting result (such as a galaflex or durasorb mesh). However, the mesh must be placed appropriately to be the most effective otherwise you may end up with breast ptosis or droop once again.
Finally, an autoaugmentation is utilized to give you more of an augmented look utilizing your own tissue. It really is a surgical technique that is employed for a particular look or style of lift depending on whether you want to appear more augmented vs. more natural. As I always tell my patients, plastic surgeons reset the clock but we cannot stop time! ;) Best of luck!

There are a plethora of breast lifting techniques because no one in particular has shown to be the "best" or have any other long term benefits when compared to the others. The type of skin resection will differ between patients as will the pedicle (the tissue utilized to keep the nipple alive). If your surgeon performs the correct style of procedure for your breast, then the results will be relatively long lasting regardless of suture technique, etc. Mesh usage typically is reserved for specialized cases.

Part of which technique is best depends on your anatomy. The other part that matters is what your surgeon is comfortable with, and what they find works best for them. The same technique in the hands of someone else may not work as well.
Many surgeons are most comfortable with an inferior pedicle technique. In this case, something like Galaflex may be helpful as lifts with this technique are more prone to bottoming out. I prefer using a superior-medial pedicle technique, and I've found mesh to be unnecessary with this technique.
In my personal experience, I find that an auto-augmentation can give an excellent result in the right patient when doing a full lift without implants. It is a technique I often use with great results.

Dear SDlivin,
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

Without photos and/or in person evaluationit, is impossible to give advise about particular breast lift technique that will work for you. Many techniques have their adventages and disadventages and which one is the most appropriate for you can be decided only on the basis of in person consultation. Good luck.

In my opinion, The Bellesoma Method is the best technique. The reason I believe this is because it produces an active lift. The weight of the breast is transferred the underlying pectoralis major muscle which provides active elevation of the breast. Other techniques are just skin envelope tightening techniques. This technique avoids the vertical scars and dehiscence at the T skin junction.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The best breast lift technique depends on individual factors such as breast size, shape, and degree of sagging. Common methods include anchor, lollipop, and crescent lifts. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs.

Since you have spent "many years" planning this procedure, you really probably don't want to commit to actually having it done. However, the mesh can help provide better support early on while scar tissue is forming, especially in heavy breasts. Also, breast tissue can be removed to go down in size and weight.

Hello there, This is an excellent question. I would say review the work of multiple board-certified plastic surgeons. In some surgeon's hands an autoaugmentation is best, in others a traditional anchor-pattern breast lift is perfect. I do not use galaflex mesh/internal sling for breast lift procedures, but do have my own autoaugmentation technique to give upper pole fullness without needing an implant. I have experience in doing breast lifts on younger patients like yourself. Good luck!