Breast lift options - how can I avoid scars? (Photos)

Question

I'm not thrilled about the idea of scars on my breasts and would like to know what if anything can be done to give me a better looking chest

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your injury. We would love to sit down and talk with you about your concerns. There are many options to improve the breasts. Schedule a appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

laurenweich1016,Unfortunately there are no surgeries that remove skin that leave you without scars. Based on your photos, a breast lift would serve to improve the position of your nipples and breast tissue which is now too low on your chest wall. The surgery would simulate the look you get when you raise you hands over your head. There are things that can be done to minimize scaring including avoiding sun and smoking, staying hydrated, minimizing tension on your skin, massage, and silicone. Ask to see before and afters from your surgeon to understand the range and location of scaring for surgery.
Dr Stein

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear laurenweich1016,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sibel Atalay, MD · Answer

That’s such a thoughtful and very common concern, you’re definitely not alone in feeling hesitant about scars. The good news is that there are options, and the right approach depends on how much lifting or reshaping you’d like to see.
For women who have only mild sagging, sometimes a small implant alone can restore upper pole fullness and improve the overall shape without needing a formal lift. There are also more limited lift techniques, like a periareolar lift (around the nipple), which leave very discreet scars. If more lifting is needed, techniques like the vertical (“lollipop”) lift do involve longer scars, but they often fade beautifully over time and can be placed in natural lines of the breast so they’re less noticeable.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between restoring the youthful, natural look you want and keeping scars as minimal as possible. Many women feel that the confidence they gain in their new shape far outweighs the scars, which usually soften and fade with time.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Implants provide volume but very little lift. The only way to substantially improve the sagging to your breasts is with a lift. If you had a desire to increase your volume, you could add implants with the lift, but not in place of the lift.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Your best outcome would come from a breast lift but that requires scars around the areaola, straight down, and under the fold of the breast in a short anchor pattern. Minimal scar options would be fat transfer to the breast. That would result in a fuller version of the current you…no lift, just fuller on top. An implant would require a small incision and it would provide fullness in the upper part of the breasts but no lift. I recommend you highly consider a lift.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, a breast lift is the only option to get your breasts perkier and looking closer to your wish pic. I would also suggest an implant for upper pole fullness. Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend a breast lift using 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. You have a grade 2 ptosis. This is defined as most of the breast tissue and the nipple/areola complex sitting below the level of the fold that is underneath your breast. The correct position of the nipple/areola complex is above the level of the fold and the only way to achieve that is with a breast lift. Meticulous attention to detail and suturing technique should leave you with nearly in perceptible incision lines. This is the most predictable way to achieve what you were looking for.  Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon and asked to see before and after photographs so you understand your potential outcomes. Best wishes.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Any kind of a breast lift will give you scars.  Sometimes these scars can be limited to just around the areolae.  I do not think you are a candidate for this.  You probably are not a candidate for just augmentation, which does not lift the breast.  I do think it might be helpful to talk to a plastic surgeon to further determine what your options might be.  Good luck with things.

Breast lift options - how can I avoid scars? (Photos)

Answers (13)

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