Would I qualify for a breast lift with a lollipop incision or would I need an anchor lift? (Photos)

Dear Passionate583237,

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

Do I need a breast lift? You might not need one. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

The scar burden of a breast lift varies directly with the degree of ptosis/sagging. The million dollar question is where does the NAC sit relative to the fold.
The more significant the correction needed...the greater the scars. Slight ptosis can be corrected by a "donut" or circumareolar mastopexy/lift. Moderate ptosis may be addressed via a "lollipop" lift or vertical mastopexy. The most significant degree of ptosis will necessitate an "anchor" or Wise pattern scar.
With regards to your specific questions, your nipple position appears for the most part preserved. A limited scar approach might be reasonable.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame

Hi. I think you could achieve a nice result without the anchor lift. You could even have an augmentation without a lift, but then this wouldn't tighten any of the skin. If you go for an in-person consultation, your surgeon can explain what you could expect with each type of lift and even in the scenario where you don't have a lift. Then, when you understand all of the expectations, you can make a decision about which type will give you what you want. Best of luck!

Hello, thank you for sharing your pictures. I have reviewed your photos, and I would like to say that you absolutely don’t need an anchor lift. In fact, you may not even need a lollipop lift. You don’t have significant sagging, and your skin quality looks good. Of course, a proper examination would be necessary to be precise, but it appears that a circumareolar lift combined with breast implants would work perfectly for you.

Your breasts are low on the lateral chest wall. The breast lift technique I recommend is 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 can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question. In reviewing your photos you have minimal/no ptosis (i.e. the nipple position seems to be at the level of the inframammary fold). My best advice would be to seek an in person consultation and physical exam with a board certified plastic surgeon, as it is possible you may not even need a lift at all! If one is needed, it would be an overall minor lift (1cm or so), and can certainly be achieved through a crescent shaped skin excision pattern at the top of the areola. Thank you for your question and good luck on your journey!