Breast lifts can be transformative for women who are bothered by droopy breasts after natural aging, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. When a patient is considering breast lift surgery, one of the biggest concerns is often the type of incision that will be used and the subsequent scarring it will leave. Currently, there are three basic types of incisions that can be used for a breast lift procedure. The right incision pattern depends on the amount of lift required. If a breast lift is in your future, it is important to know the options in incision patterns so you can work with Dr. Andrews to make the best possible decision for your procedure.
Types of Incision Patterns
A breast lift usually involves one of three basic incision patterns:
Peri-areolar Incision Lines
This incision, which may also be referred to as the donut incision, goes around the border of the nipple and areola. There is minimal visible scarring, especially in patients with lighter skin tones. Although this type of incision is the least commonly used in breast lift surgery, it is a good choice for women with minimal sagging. It may also be recommended if the patient is requesting implants at the same time as the lift.
Lollipop Lift
Also known as the lollipop incision, this pattern involves an incision around the areola and a vertical incision down the middle portion of the breast between the areola and the breast crease. This is the most common type of incision pattern for a breast lift and can be effective for mild to moderate sagging. Although this pattern places an incision directly on the breast, it is limited to the lower border of the breast and typically heals with an acceptable scar.
Anchor Incision Lines
The anchor incision is also referred to as the inverted “T” or Wise pattern. The incision goes around the border of the areola, vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease, so the pattern resembles an anchor or an inverted “T”. This incision allows Dr. Andrews to access the underlying breast tissue and is reserved for patients with significant sagging or excess breast skin and is often used when the lift is combined with breast reduction surgery to decrease the breast size.
What to Expect During Your Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting. Before the surgical procedure, patients will meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrews so he can assess their medical history and breast anatomy, including the amount of excess skin, to determine the best type of lift. Using precise surgical techniques, he will reposition and remove tissue as needed to restore the natural breast contours and a more lifted, youthful breast shape. The incisions will be closed with sutures and surgical tape, and drains may be placed. Patients will be prescribed pain medication and advised to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Results will develop gradually as swelling reduces and incisions heal, revealing more youthful-looking breasts that will last for many years.
Schedule a Consultation
With a variety of incisions to choose from, breast lift surgery can be customized to the unique needs and desired results of each individual patient. You and Dr. Andrews will work together to determine the best incision pattern for you based on your anatomy and specific goals for breast rejuvenation. To learn more about this procedure or other options in breast surgery, please contact the staff at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today.
