Is there a difference in recovery time when the lollipop incision is used rather than the anchor?

Question

I am a 38DDD, and my surgeon plans to use the lollipop incision. I am 56 and want to be a B, but he thinks that's too small for me, so I'm hoping to get a C. It's been a year and a half since I met with him, I've been on the waiting list that long! With this type of procedure are drains usually used? Are overnight stays any less likely? Is recovery time different? I know it depends on how my surgery goes, I'm just wondering what's customary. I live in the US and I'm having it done at the VA hospital.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I
never use the lollipop or anchor shaped incisions because they leave ugly vertical
scars that cannot be hidden.  I recommend
a new technique called The Ultimate Breast ReductionTM.  This technique reshapes your breast tissue
creating upper pole fullness, elevates them higher on the chest wall and more
medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight
of the breast is transferred to the underlying muscle resulting in immediate
relief of neck, back or shoulder pain. 
This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars, maintains nipple
sensation and the ability to breast feed. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. No, the exact type of breast reduction technique used should not influence the recovery time or experience.  Overnight stays are generally not necessary. I would suggest that you select your plastic surgeon carefully; ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals carefully as well. I would not suggest the use of cup sizes as a reference point when it comes to communicating your desired breast size outcome. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The scar pattern of the skin does not influence recovery time or hospital stay with breast reduction or breast lift. Keep in mind also that cup size is not purely a volume measurement that can be dialed in to the plan, because factors such as chest size influence cup size regardless of how large or small the breasts actually are.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Lollipop scar breast reductions take a little longer than anchor patterns to achieve their final shape, because it takes longer for the skin elasticity to show its full effect.  There is no difference in recovery as far as your energy or discomfort is concerned.  Breast reduction is an out patient surgery, therefore no overnight stay in the hospital.  It sounds like you need more education from your surgeon about what to expect.  I agree with Dr. Posti that you should see before and after photographs of your surgeon's work and make sure your surgeon is experienced and skilled in this operation.  I agree that cup sizes are not a valuable way to communicate size goals, because bra sizes are not standardized.  Chose carefully!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There's no difference in recovery rate or pain between these two scar patterns. At 56 you might have too much loose poorly elastic skin to be a great lollipop candidate especially if you are wanting to be much smaller. VA's are not usually the best places to get top quality breast surgery. But the price is right. But for the very best result and better timing you might want to go outside the VA system.

Is there a difference in recovery time when the lollipop incision is used rather than the anchor?

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Is there a difference in recovery time when the lollipop incision is used rather than the anchor?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lollipop v Anchor Pattern Breast Reduction

Answer: Lollipop v Anchor Pattern Breast Reduction

Answer: Lollipop vs T scar for breast lifts and reduction

Answer: Lollipop vs T scar for breast lifts and reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.