How much skin can a donut lift safely remove without adding to scarring issues?

Depending on your goals, it is very unlikely that a donut lift will provide your desired outcome. There are inherent limits to the amount of skin that can be removed with this procedure. When this is exceeded, the scars will tend to be less favorable and wrinkling or gathering may develop along the areolar margin.

Dear easycoast,
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. 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

Thank you for the question. A full lift would provide a more powerful result. Since you do not desire additional scars, a donut lift would revise the scars and should lift the nipple by 2 cm. Adding fat to improve the contour can be done at the same time. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.