Breast lift surgery can be a very rewarding procedure for women who have sagging, deflated breasts due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Some women are concerned about the amount of scarring associated with the procedure, which is determined by the amount of correction needed. The more skin that needs to be removed, the more or longer incisions necessary. Here is a synopsis of the common breast lift incision options and how to determine which might be the best for you.
MINIMAL SAGGING: CRESCENT INCISION
If you have a very limited amount of sagging to correct, the “crescent lift” may be the best option. The small incision runs around the edge of the areola, along the top half only. This incision is not as common and is usually used when the patient is also having a breast augmentation.
MILD SAGGING: PERI-AREOLAR INCISION
This incision is also often performed with a breast augmentation but is an effective breast lift technique for those with mild sagging. Also called the “donut lift,” the peri-areolar breast lift involves a scar that encircles the entire areola along the line of pigmentation change. The scar fades with time is and usually difficult to detect.
MODERATE SAGGING: VERTICAL INCISION
For more moderate sagging that may involve sagging nipples or nipples that fall below the breast crease, a vertical incision is added. The breast is reshaped and the skin is repositioned first with the peri-areolar incision and, second, with a vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold. This creates the shape of a “lollipop,” which is another nickname for the technique.
SIGNIFICANT SAGGING: INVERTED-T INCISION
Women who have significant breast sagging and need extensive reshaping can benefit from the inverted-T incision, also called an “anchor lift.” Three incisions are used: the peri-areolar incision, the vertical incision mentioned above, and a final incision beneath the breast that follows the natural crease.
While the vertical scar in a breast lift is the most noticeable of all incisions, it will significantly fade over time. Most patients are completely satisfied with the restored youthfulness of their breasts as a result of their procedure.
If you are interested in a breast lift in the Beverly Hills, CA or Chicago, IL area, please schedule a consultation by calling (310) 858-8930 or fill out our online contact form for more information.
