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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It is crucial to understand that cosmetic surgery is basically a tradeoff. You are trading an unfavorable aspect of appearance for a scar(s).

Ultimately, if the goal is to lift the breast there is a certain amount of scarring that one needs to accept. There are options but they all come with scars. For mild sagging, a circumareolar approach may be adequate. Greater ptosis may require a circumvertical/lollipop lift. For the most significant sagging, an anchor pattern scar may be necessary.

Thankfully, scars fade and improve with time.

Candidates need to ask themselves the question...Is the improvement worth the scars?

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Unfortunately, surgery will leave scars, especially if there is a breast lift, or mastopexy. How the incisions are managed post-operatively plays a part in the final appearance. There are several scar care regimens that will aid in minimizing the appearance of scars, and using them consistently will lead to a more optimal result. Some people also heal with finer scars than others. Some patients have opted for augmentation to give a fuller appearance, which will leave minimal external scars at the expense of having an implant in place, as well as a heavier-feeling breast. There are no right answers - just the right one for you!