Which would you recommend; Lollipop Breast Reduction vs. Anchor Breast Reduction? (photos)

Hi there,It's a good question you ask.  Some surgeons use exclusively or almost exclusively the same incision pattern for breast reduction surgery,  They're comfortable with the approach they have.In my practice, as many surgeons do, I use both incision patterns.  My goal of surgery is to create as attractive a breast shape as I can. The scar pattern is, I think, secondary to this aim. That is to say, I don't like to compromise the shape achievable by being limited to one scar pattern. There are such a variety of breast shape and size, all techniques are needed in achieving consistently nice postoperative breast shapes in a breast reduction practice. Whether a vertical pattern (lollipop) or an inverted T (anchor) scar pattern is used, the scars gradually fade well and in the long run don't often cause any concern regardless of the pattern used.In your case, I would use an anchor pattern.  The reason for this is the low nipple position.  In order to move your nipple to the correct location, in my hands if a lollipop pattern was used there would be too much residual breast sitting below the nipple.  They would look bottom heavy most likely post surgery.  Using the anchor pattern allows (again in my hands) more effective nipple elevation and better shortening of the distance between the bottom of the new nipple position and the bottom of the breast in patients with a low nipple position. So I think I can achieve a higher, more perky looking breast by using an anchor pattern in your particular case.This is not to say your surgeon is incorrect.  He or she has examined you in person, and I have not.  And there are some technical variations which might be employed to shorten the vertical distance in the lower pole of the breast.  Your surgeon will be able to discuss this with you and even shoe you pictures of some previous cases to illustrate how they would address this issue given your quite low nipple position and the need to substantially elevate it.All the very best.Howard Webster 

Thank you for your pictures. I think your breast size and subsequent reduction are too much for a lollipop lift.A lollipop lift/reduction  is basically better in my opinion for small breasts with a small reduction. You will need an anchor type of lift/reduction for the best results.

Thank you for your question ad photos.  Both the anchor and lollipop reduction are options for you as long as the surgeon is experienced with both.  The anchor is the traditional technique but has lmore scarring, and is characterized by a boxy shape and flat projection in the long run.  The lollipop has less scar, a rounder and more projected shape in the long run but the amount of reduction you can perform is slightly limited if you still want to maintain a youthful shape.  Take a look at a lot of long term before and after results at your doctors office and on line before making a final decision.  You will start to notice some significant differences.  Best wishes!

In my over the internet opinion you are ONLY a candidate for 'anchor incision' reduction surgery. Best to seek a few in person opinions... 

Lollipop incision reductions are best for patients that do not need a very large reduction and do not have a lot of excess skin. An exam in person would be essential.

You'll probably get as many different opinions on this as there are surgeons answering.In general, both are accepted and common procedures.  Many surgeons reserve the lollipop incision (more accurately a vertical mammoplasty, or a variant) for relatively smaller breast reductions and lifts, and use the larger incision pattern (anchor shape, with an inferior or other pedicle) for larger breast reductions.  From your photos it looks like either would be an option for you, though an in-person consultation would be important before any specific advice could be given.If you were to have the lollipop and were unhappy with it you would always the option (understandably not the situation you'd want to be in) of having it revised later, often with the addition of the horizontal scar that would have been included in the anchor shape pattern from the outset.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100