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

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Your photos show breast ptosis with the nipple position sitting lower than ideal and some deflation of the upper breast. If the goal is a lifted, better-shaped breast, some type of breast lift incision is usually needed. Implants alone can add volume, but they generally do not move the nipple/areola high enough when there is this degree of sagging, and they can sometimes make the breast look heavier.
The scar pattern depends on how much lifting and reshaping is required. A periareolar scar can help only a small amount and may widen the areola or flatten the breast if asked to do too much. A vertical/lollipop lift often gives more reliable shaping with less scar than an anchor lift, while an anchor pattern may be needed for more significant skin excess. Based on the photos, a vertical lift with or without an implant would commonly be discussed, but an exam is needed to confirm.
Scars cannot be avoided with a true lift, but they can often be managed well with careful closure, silicone gel or sheets, sun protection, and time. The best plan is the shortest scar pattern that still gives the shape you want, because choosing too little incision can lead to a disappointing breast shape.

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

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 (14)

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