Types of Breast Lifts in Mesa & Scottsdale

No two breast lift patients require the same exact approach. Surgical techniques and incision locations will vary based on a patient’s anatomy, existing breast tissue and symmetry, and her desired appearance after surgery. There are many different types of breast lifts, and Dr. Flint will use the breast lift technique that is best suited to your needs.

Peri-areolar or “Donut” Lift

A “donut lift” refers to a procedure in which the scar is limited to the circumference of your areola. This short-scar lift works well in women who have small breasts and minimal droop. In reality, this lift is only well suited to a small percentage of patients.

Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift

“Lollipop” lifts produce a scar along the circumference of your areola and vertically between your areola and the crease underneath your breast. A vertical lift allows Dr. Flint to remove an adequate amount of skin to achieve an aesthetically pleasing lift for moderately sagging breasts.

Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift

For larger breasts or more extensive sagging, Dr. Flint prefers a breast lift that leaves an anchor-shaped scar. This scar resembles the lollipop scar, but adds a scar in the crease underneath your breast. The length of the scar in that crease can vary from a couple of inches in length to the entire width of the breast, depending on the degree of sagging. While this scar is longer, this lift produces a better breast shape and maintains its result longer than the other types of lifts in most patients. The scars generally heal well and fade nicely in time, and the scar underneath the breast is rarely seen. This is also the incision pattern Dr. Flint typically uses for breast reduction.

Breast Lift with Augmentation

For those who would like larger, lifted breasts or if there is significant volume loss that needs to be replaced, breast implants can be placed during a breast lift. This procedure will involve one of the above breast lift incision techniques.

Understanding why a short-scar breast lift isn’t always the best option

Most patients prefer to have a procedure that produces the shortest scar possible, but it is important to perform the appropriate lift for the tissue and skin quality at hand so that the shape improvement can be maintained over long periods of time. When short-scar lifts are applied to breasts that need significant lifting, unappealing shape trade-offs can occur.

In larger or droopier breasts, a “donut” technique can result in a flatter breast profile. It also puts a great deal of tension on your areolae, which can stretch over time to an undesirable size. “Lollipop” lifts may offer more support than a donut lift, but Dr. Flint believes this lift leads to more bottoming-out than other types of lifts in patients with larger or heavier breasts. In bottoming-out, your implant or breast tissue stretches the lower half of your breast so that even though your nipple stays up above the fold, the glandular tissue hangs below the fold beneath your breast. Not ideal situations.

Dr. Flint will perform the breast lift technique that will achieve the desired lift and shape while providing adequate support to the reshaped breast. For some, a short scar breast lift will accomplish these goals, but for patients with more significant sagging, a more extensive breast lift is needed. All breast lift scars can be easily hidden beneath a bra or swimsuit.