There are three main types of breast lift surgery. In actuality, these are distinguished by the type of breast lift incisions that each method utilizes.

In the following article, we will go over the different incisions of breast lift surgery you can undergo, outlining the details of each. We’ll also discuss breast lift scarring and how best to minimize your scars once you’ve healed.

The 3 Breast Lift Surgery Types

Patients often seek breast lift surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding, because of past weight fluctuations, or due to aging. All breast lift procedures aim to lift, tighten, and smooth the skin while changing the nipple position to a more attractive and youthful location on the breasts and chest wall.

Breast lift techniques vary based on how much breast tissue, skin, and fat needs to be removed to achieve the desired outcome. This will be assessed at your consultation appointment.

Donut Lift (Circumareolar Lift or Peri Areolar Lift)

The donut lift (doughnut lift) is also sometimes called the Benelli lift. It utilizes the least number of incisions.

In fact, there is just one circular incision made on each breast. It goes around the outer edge of each areola.

The good thing about this surgery is that there’s not much scarring. The scar tends to be hidden quite well on the edge of the areola and blends fairly well into the darker color there. The nipple and areola can be lifted, and extra skin can be removed.

However, there are certain drawbacks to this method of breast lift surgery as well. First, because you’re taking a donut shape of skin from around the areola as the skin removal portion of surgery, the repaired incision, when closed, may pucker.

Furthermore, sometimes, this method of breast lift surgery can create a flat breast shape, and the projection may be poor. This depends on the patient, however.

Lollipop Breast Lift (Vertical Breast Lift)

The lollipop lift or vertical lift removes skin from around the nipple as well as directly below the areola.

There are two main incisions: one around the areola as in the donut lift and one that runs up and down from the bottom edge of the areola to the bottom of the breast (the breast crease underneath the breast).

This procedure has more breast lift scars, but we’re also able to remove more skin, which is good for achieving a perkier appearance to the breasts. Likewise, we can actually narrow the breasts somewhat by removing “side-to-side” extra skin, and this can provide a pleasing look.

Anchor Lift (Inverted-T Breast Lift Technique)

Finally, the anchor breast lift is able to remove the most excess skin.

This procedure requires three incisions per breast: one around the areola as in the donut lift, one that runs up and down from the bottom edge of the areola to the bottom of the breast, and one that runs along the natural breast crease (inframammary fold).

These incisions allow your surgeon to remove excess skin around the areola, from side-to-side below the breast (for a narrowed appearance), and up and down along the length of the breast. Reducing extra skin up and down is key for many patients who have extensive sagging breasts that hang low.

The main drawback to the anchor method of breast lift surgery is, of course, the number of scars. However, the third scar in the breast lift is almost invisible as it is easily hidden within the natural breast fold, and the shadow of the breast helps to camouflage it even more.

Will I Have Breast Lift Scars?

Yes, all types of breast lifts result in scars. Look at breast lift before and after photos to see examples.

The exact type of breast lift scars you have after surgery will depend on what incision pattern was used for your procedure.

This is because different types of lift incisions naturally result in different scars.

The doughnut lift for mild sagging produces very minimal scarring. The lollipop lift for moderate sagging produces moderate scarring. And finally, the anchor lift, which corrects severe sagging, produces the most scarring.

FAQ: Breast Lift Surgery

What is the crescent breast lift?

The crescent lift requires just a small half-circle incision on the top half of the areola. This creates a crescent shaped incision and scar.

The crescent lift is one of the more rarely used types of breast lifts as it is not good at removing excess skin from anywhere except just above the areola.

How much is a breast lift?

Breast lift cost is an important topic for patients. At your consultation appointment is where you should speak to your surgeon about the estimated cost. Many plastic surgeons will accept credit cards and medical credit as payment.

Can you get a breast lift with breast implants?

Yes, breast lifts are often combined with breast augmentation (breast implants) into one cosmetic surgery. The resulting procedure removes extra skin and lifts the breasts while increasing your breast size for a more youthful breast contour and breast profile.

Can you get a breast lift with a breast reduction?

Yes. In fact most breast reduction procedures include breast lift procedures. The resulting surgical procedure will both reduce the size of the breasts and correct breast sagging.

Is there such a thing as a scarless lift?

If you are too fearful to undergo surgery or are concerned about scarring after plastic surgery, there are some ways to correct minimal sagging in the breasts with nonsurgical techniques.

Book Your Consultation Appointment Today

Board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg is among the top plastic surgeons performing breast lift and other plastic surgery procedures in the Houston area.

If you are interested in this procedure, please call our office today to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Steinberg.