Breast Lift Techniques Explained

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Due to genetic tendency, aging, and physical effects of pregnancy, some women develop pendulous, drooping breasts with nipples falling below the crease of the bust.  Fortunately, this aesthetic problem can be treated with breast lift which is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for older women.

In cosmetic plastic surgery, there are different incision patterns and techniques in breast lift.  This is because each patient has a different breast size and contour and expectation/goal with the surgery.  (Patients should remember that this procedure will not significantly change the size and shape of their bust.)

Traditionally, plastic surgeons perform this procedure using the anchor lift technique which involves making several incisions that resemble a nautical anchor: a horizontal cut across the breast crease, a vertical one that starts from the areola to the fold of the bust, and a circumferential excision around the edge of the areola.

Through these incisions, surgeons can remove any excess skin and tissue, reduce the size of an enlarged areola (only if necessary), and manipulate the surrounding tissue in order to correct the sagginess.

The anchor-shaped incision is the oldest and most invasive breast lift technique which makes this ideal for women with large breasts that severely droop.  On the other hand, small- and medium-breasted patients will usually find this approach as too invasive.  For this reason, doctors in plastic surgery are now using modified surgical techniques which usually involve fewer incisions and shorter recovery.

The lollipop lift is one of the most common modified breast lift techniques in cosmetic plastic surgery.  This surgical approach uses the same incision sites in the anchor lift, minus the horizontal cut across the crease of the breast.  With this, women can expect one less scar and shorter downtime.

According to LA plastic surgeons, the lollipop technique is best suited for medium-sized breasts with moderate to severe sagginess or large-sized bust with mild to moderate droopiness.

Meanwhile, the donut lift is another breast lift technique which is less invasive than the anchor- and lollipop-shaped incision.  In this surgical approach, plastic surgeons make a circumferential excision around the edge of the areola that will allow them to remove a small amount of skin and manipulate the surrounding tissues.

While this approach is only suitable for patients with a mild to moderate degree of sagginess, this may provide a satisfactory result for women with a more pronounced droopiness as long as this is performed in conjunction with breast implant surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery Blogger @ September 27, 2011