Breast Lift with donut incision - possible? (photos)

Question

Would I be a candidate for a breast lift (no implant) with a donut incision, only around the areolae, instead of vertical/lollipop incision?

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. You will have a better result with the vertical/lollipop incision. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A donut lift may not be sufficient for you. The improvement would be minimal. However, it really depends on your goals therefore please let your surgeon know what you’d like to achieve so they can determine whether a donut lift would suffice.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
Yes I believe you are a good candidate for a donut mastopexy, no vertical incision, without implants!

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Breast lifts or mastopexy procedures need to address both the position of the nipple and extra skin if present. Breasts with stretch marks tend to be less elastic and therefore tend to need more skin removal to achieve beautiful shape after surgery. Wether or not you are a good candidate for a donut mastopexy (donut incision) depends on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold (degree of ptosis), your skin type, and the volume and distribution of breast tissue. Based on your photos, it is likely (but not certain) that you would benefit from a vertical scar and possibly a scar in your breast crease. The donut mastopexy can work well for small vertical adjustments in nipple-areola position (1 -2 cm) when the breast tissue is centered behind the nipple. However, donut techniques frequently flatten the contour of the breast in the lateral view, making the breast look less perky. The lollipop and inverted-T techniques tend to create better shape because they address skin excess in addition to changing nipple position.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Based on your photos, you appear to be a good candidate for a full mastopexy (breast lift) which will put your nipples into the correct position, decrease the size of nipple/areola and allow excess skin to be taken away, giving you a more youthful looking breast. Some people are a little apprehensive to the full breast lift due to the scars, but typically they do very well. 
Donut breast lift can help decrease the size of the areola and elevate the nipples, but it will not change the overall shape of the breasts. 
Sometimes, breast implants can also be added in order to increase upper pole breast volume.
I would encourage you to seek a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Donut lifts don't work well in large or significantly sagging breast, and shouldn't be used in a breast not getting an implant. The vertical scar is the most onerous to most women, but ironically becomes the least visible with time. Donut lifts in the wrong breasts creates multiple unattractive deformities, some uncorrectable.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

I think you would have a better cosmetic result with a vertical mastopexy that results in a 'lollipop' scar pattern. The 'donut' or peri-areolar mastopexy does not have sufficient lifting power and the scar quality is never as good as other techniques.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The problem with the donut lift  is that you don't get much lift from it and the areola stretches out. Often the scar widens as well. I would rather have the vertical scar from the lollipop lift. I see many patients who had donut lifts that regret not getting the lollipop lift. Some surgeons may recommend the donut lift because it's easier for them to do. At that point you need to get other opinions.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alltheqs,
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. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery