Peri-areolar with implants or lollipop lift? 240cc or 260cc? (Photos)

Question

41 y/o no children, 5’6, 98lbs. My goal is to have areola reduction with small implants. Two things I’m undecided on is implant size. My PS has suggested 240cc or 265cc dual plane with donut lift. He thinks I would benefit from it bc it will decrease my areola size and give a small lift while adding volume. he also recommend a full profile due to my chest width. I see a lot of drs saying avoid the donut lift bc it only works on a certain anatomy. and do a lollipop instead. But then I see some that say it works great. Do I look like a candidate that a donut lift would work well for? And should I chose the 240cc over 260cc or is that a negligible diff?

Yucel Sarialtin, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question.
Thank you for your detailed question. Based on your petite frame (5'6", 98 lbs) and goal of modest volume enhancement with areola reduction, your surgeon's recommendation of a 240–265cc implant with a donut (periareolar) lift and full profile implant seems thoughtfully tailored to your anatomy. The difference between 240cc and 265cc is minimal (about one tablespoon in volume), so your final decision can focus more on subtle differences in projection and how your breast tissue distributes that volume. Regarding the donut lift, it's true that its effectiveness depends on skin elasticity, breast shape, and degree of ptosis. It's typically most successful for mild sagging and moderate areolar enlargement, especially in smaller-framed patients like yourself. The lollipop lift offers more skin tightening and reshaping for moderate to severe ptosis but leaves a vertical scar. If your surgeon believes the donut lift will achieve the desired lift and areola reduction without causing distortion, and your skin has good elasticity, you may be a suitable candidate. Ultimately, surgeon experience with this technique and your personal tolerance for scarring vs. shape improvement are key in finalizing the decision.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You can see in your photographs that your nipple-areola complex is widely separated and the breasts are low on the chest wall. The lollipop or donut lift will not increase your cleavage. I recommend 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. Later, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants tailored to your measurements and desires will restore volume and shape, dual plane via areolar incision with reduction should give desired results.

Further discussion with your plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm best options, risks, limitations.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely post of photos that demonstrate slight hyperplasia of breast with slight enlarged nipple complexes. My recommendation would be augmentation high profile implants. Dual plane is acceptable with a donut lift. Expect fees to range from $5000-$10,000. Best of virtual counsel with. Additionally, there is a risk with the donut lift that the nipple complexes could get stretched because of the increase volume of the complete breast this needs to be discussed in detail with your surgeon. Or if you chose to do a virtual consultation more information can be given at that time. As for doing a lollipop lift That adds an additional vertical scar down the inferior center portion of the breast past the info memory increase. I do not recommend that in this case. Again consider all options before making a final decision. As far as size a difference between 240 cc and 260 cc is less than an ounce of fluid so it’s negligible Again if you want a larger breast, you have to go up to at least a 300 cc implant. Regards.

Peri-areolar with implants or lollipop lift? 240cc or 260cc? (Photos)

Answers (4)