4 Top Types of Breast Lift Techniques

Breast ptosis or sagging of the breasts, can result from ageing, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or genetics. For individuals considering breast lift surgery, it’s important to understand that there are several techniques available, each suited to different anatomical needs and goals. This blog outlines four commonly performed breast lift techniques in Australia and highlights why the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) lift is one of the most widely used.

Breast Lift Techniques Used in Australia

1: Crescent Breast Lift Technique

The crescent breast lift is more often recommended for patients with minimal excess skin.

This technique involves a single crescent-shaped incision along the upper edge of the areola. Because the incision sits within the darker areolar tissue, it is typically discreet.

The lift is performed by removing a small amount of tissue from the breast. After removing the tissue, the bottom of the incision is lifted up to meet the top. This allows your surgeon to elevate the breast as well as lift the areola and nipple to a higher position on the chest.

This technique is more appropriate for patients with mild changes in breast position or symmetry rather than more significant ptosis.

2: Peri-Areolar Breast Lift Technique

Also referred to as the Benelli Lift or donut lift, the Peri-Areolar Lift involves a circular incision around the entire circumference of the areola. This method is suited for individuals with mild ptosis and may also be used to reduce the size of the areola or reposition it slightly.

While this technique provides a modest lift and can reshape the areola, it is not suitable for addressing more severe ptosis or skin laxity. Additionally, when used on heavier breast tissue, it may lead to a flattened or stretched breast appearance over time, especially if not performed by a highly experienced surgeon.

3: The Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) or Vertical Breast Lift Technique

The Lollipop Lift, also known as Vertical Mammoplasty or the LeJour technique, is one of the most frequently performed breast lift techniques for moderate breast ptosis. Developed and popularised by Drs Madeleine LeJour, Elizabeth Hall-Findlay, it utilises precise tissue reshaping with reduced scarring when compared to the Anchor lift.

This technique involves two incisions:

• One around the outer edge of the areola
• A second vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease/inframammary fold

Together, these form the characteristic “lollipop” shape. The Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) breast lift technique tightens the lower pole skin envelop and lifts the breast. Further, it allows your surgeon to also reduce the size of your areolas (if needed) and reposition the nipples to a more suitable position on the breast.

In Dr Drielsma’s practice, this technique is used in the majority of cases due to its balance of effectiveness and aesthetic outcome.

Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Breast Lift Potential Benefits

There are several potential benefits of a vertical breast lift. The procedure can:

• Elevate the nipples
• Reduce the size of the areola
• Lift the breast
• Increase projection and rounding of the breast

Further, scarring from a Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) lift is less noticeable than other procedures, like the anchor Breast lift.

4: Anchor Breast Lift Technique

The anchor breast lift technique often utilised by Dr Drielsma for woman who have significantly large breasts. In about 10% of cases patients are not suitable for a Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) reduction and this technique is employed. This technique requires three incisions.

The first is placed on the outer edge of the areola, similar to the peri-areolar lift. After this, another incision is made running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold. A final incision is made horizontally along the breast crease to form the anchor shape.

This is, by far, the surgical approach that will leave the most visible scarring on the breast. It can lead to a “boxy” shape that may deteriorate over time.  However, there are several after care options to help treat scarring to make it less obvious.

In Dr Drielsma’s practice, this technique is used for patients with significantly large breasts where he considers the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) technique will not be effective.

Determining the Right Breast Lift Technique for You

At the end of the day, it is important to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss the option that is right for you.

Dr Drielsma has over 30 years experience in complex breast surgery procedures, and was one of the first to introduce the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) breast lift technique in Australia. During your consultation, you will discuss your goals for surgery, your breast lift, and what technique will work for you.

If you would like more information on breast lift techniques or would like to book your procedure, contact Dr Drielsma and his team.