Do Your Breasts Droop, Or Are They Getting Saggy?
When it comes to natural look breast lift surgery, there is no one-size-fits-all option. In fact, the best option for you depends on your body proportions, the amount of sagging that needs to be corrected, and your cosmetic goals. Part of this is also considering the ideal technique for your surgery. So join us as we discuss the top 4 types of breast lift techniques.
Breast Lift Techniques Used in Australia
1: Crescent Breast Lift Technique
The crescent breast lift is more often recommended for patients with minimal sagging. As a result, the crescent lift only requires one incision that runs halfway along the top outer edge of the areola. Some plastic surgeons claim that this results in a scar that is practically invisible. This is due to the fact it is hidden within the darker pigment of the areola.
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. But, again, as it is only a subtle lift, it is better recommended for those with very slight sag or droop.
2: Peri-Areolar Breast Lift Technique
Also known as the “doughnut lift”, the peri-areolar breast lift technique works for women with milder sagging who still only need subtle lift. The plastic surgeon will make a single, circular incision around the entire outside edge of the areola. Again, many plastic surgeons dub this a “minimal scarring” procedure.
Further, a peri-areolar lift helps reduce the size of the areola, allows for some slight vertical repositioning of the areola, while reducing a slightly lax or sagging breast. However, it is very limited in what it can achieve. While this lift is good for reducing an overly projected breast – such as tuberous breasts – it is limited in what it can do for heavier breasts. It will also flatten breasts that don’t need to be flattened, making for an unattractive appearance.
3: The Lollipop or Vertical Breast Lift Technique
The vertical breast lift technique is also known as the “lollipop lift” or “lollipop breast lift” due to the incision shape. It is the most commonly used (90% of cases) by Dr Drielsma. The Lollipop lift allows effective breast lift and reduction while reshaping of the breast tissue to give natural, long term results. It is considered one of the most effective breast lift procedures with more pleasing natural results. As a result, it is often the surgical approach of choice for qualified plastic surgeons like Dr Drielsma.
The lollipop lift requires two incisions:
- The first is made around the outside edge of the areola
- The second incision is made from the bottom of the areola down to the natural breast crease or inframammary fold
The lollipop 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 natural position on the breast.
Lollipop Breast Lift Benefits
There are many benefits of a vertical breast lift. The procedure can:
- Elevate the nipples
- Reduce the size of the areola
- Lift the breast
- Gives excellent projection and rounding of the breast, giving a very natural shape and look
- reduced scar burden
Further, scarring from a lollipop lift is less noticeable than other procedures, like the anchor breast lift. Recovery from the lollipop lift may also be shorter and less complicated than other lift procedures.
4: Anchor Breast Lift Technique
The anchor breast lift technique is most commonly used by Dr Drielsma for woman who have massive breasts. In about 10% of cases patients will are not suitable for a lollipop reduction. This technique requires thee 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 natural breast crease to form the anchor shape.
This is, by far, the surgical approach that will leave the most visible scarring on the breast. However, there are several after care options to help treat scarring to make it less obvious. Further, this procedure does help those who are in need of significant lift.
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 pioneered the use of the lollipop breast lift technique in Australia. During your consultation, you will discuss your goals for natural look surgery, your breast lift, and what technique will work best for you. To decide this your surgeon will need to evaluate the severity of your breast droop or sagging.
If you would like more information on breast lift techniques or would like to book your procedure, contact Dr Drielsma today.