Top Three Breast Lift Techniques and Why the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Approach is Widely Used

Surgical techniques in plastic surgery continue to evolve, offering more refined and targeted procedures that aim to deliver reliable outcomes with reduced recovery time and increased patient care. Among these procedures, mastopexy, commonly referred to as breast lift surgery remains a widely performed option for individuals looking to address breast ptosis (sagging). There are several surgical methods available for breast lift surgery, with three main techniques frequently used by Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Australia. Each has its potential advantages depending on individual anatomy and clinical needs. One of the most commonly performed is the Vertical Mammoplasty, also known as the Lollipop lift or LeJour lift.

1: The LeJour Breast Lift/Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Breast Lift

Named after professor Madeleine Le Jour who popularised it, surgeons consider this technique a form of keyhole incision. The surgeon makes an incision around the perimeter of the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease. This forms the “Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty)” look that characterises this technique.

This method allows for effective reshaping of the breast tissue and repositioning of the nipple–areola complex. It is particularly useful in cases of moderate breast ptosis and is frequently chosen because it avoids the horizontal incision across the inframammary fold used in other techniques.

It may also be used during breast reduction procedures in suitable candidates, helping to address both volume and breast positioning in a single procedure.

2: The Benelli Breast Lift

Named after the surgeon who pioneered the technique, Dr. Louis Benellito, the Benelli technique involves making an incision only around the areola.

Because of the location, the technical name for this procedure is the “peri-areolar” incision. The Benelli technique may be suitable for women with mild to moderate degrees of sagging.

Because the incision is limited to the areola, the resulting scar may be less visible. However, the Benelli lift has limitations in addressing significant sagging or stretched skin and in some cases may cause widening of the areola or changes in breast shape, particularly if used inappropriately or with large-volume tissue removal.

3: The Anchor Breast Lift

The Anchor lift, also known as the inverted-T technique, involves three incisions: around the areola, vertically down the breast, and horizontally along the breast fold. This method allows the most access to excise excess skin and reshape tissue, making it a suitable choice for those with more significant breast ptosis or those undergoing a breast lift alongside a breast reduction.

While effective, this approach results in more extensive scarring, which may be visible depending on skin tone, healing factors, and undergarment placement.

Do I Need a Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Breast Lift?

The LeJour breast lift is popular for medium and large breasts with moderate to severe ptosis. It produces optimal results and highly qualified plastic surgeons across the globe perform this technique. Considered the moderate approach to breast lift surgery, it allows the surgeon to move the nipple to a higher position on the chest wall.

Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Breast Lift – a Commonly Requested Procedure

The LeJour technique is one of the most commonly requested breast lift techniques. The scar may be shorter than some older breast lift techniques.

Potential Benefits of Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Breast Lift

The Lollipop breast lift is frequently used by Specialist Plastic Surgeons to address moderate breast sagging (ptosis). It offers a balance between aesthetic reshaping and reduced scarring when compared to more extensive techniques like the Anchor lift. While individual results vary, potential benefits of this approach may include:

• Altered Breast Shape: This technique allows for the removal of excess skin and reshaping of breast tissue to lift the breast profile.
• Nipple–Areola Repositioning: The vertical incision permits repositioning of the nipple–areola complex to a more central, anatomical location, which may increase overall breast symmetry.
• Reduced Scarring Compared to Anchor Technique: By avoiding the horizontal incision along the inframammary fold, this method may result in less visible scarring than the traditional anchor or inverted-T lift.
• Versatility: The Lollipop technique can be used on its own or in conjunction with procedures such as breast reduction, depending on patient needs and anatomical factors.
• Skin Tightening: Removing excess skin through a vertical incision can help tighten the lower breast area and support a firmer breast appearance.
• Widely Accepted and Practiced: This technique is used by Specialist Plastic Surgeons worldwide and has been shown to provide reliable outcomes in appropriately selected patients.

Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Lift vs the Benelli Lift

The Benelli or “doughnut” breast lift is only recommended for women who have a low amount of excess skin or who are only looking to alleviate issues with the areolar nipple complex area. In fact, there are many surgeons who are of the opinion that the Benelli lift does not provide adequate lift for a full breast lift procedure as it cannot address skin laxity issues or medium or significant ptosis.

The LeJour breast lift, in comparison, can address both skin laxity and ptosis. While scarring is more significant for the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) lift, in comparison to the Benelli lift, it is still less significant than older breast lift techniques and is able to achieve your desired results.

LeJour Lift vs Anchor Breast Lift

The anchor or “T” breast lift allows surgeons to address significant breast ptosis and excise large amounts of excess skin. This can also be used if your breast lift is being performed with a breast reduction procedure. However, the anchor lift may leave more scarring than the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) or Benelli lift, with a straight scar beneath the nipple, a long scar down the breast and then a scar across the inframammary crease.

In comparison, the LeJour lift can also be used to address breast ptosis and skin laxity, though it may not be able to address extremely significant ptosis and skin laxity. Further, the LeJour can also be used in conjunction with breast reduction procedures and leaves far less scarring than the T lift.

Who Are Candidates for the Lollipop (Vertical Mammoplasty) Breast Lift?

Patients who present with mild to moderate breast ptosis and mild to moderate skin laxity are most suited to the LeJour breast lift technique.

Candidates for a Vertical Mammoplasty breast lift typically:

• Have moderate breast ptosis.
• Do not require extensive tissue removal beyond what the vertical approach can achieve.
• Are in good general health
• Have realistic expectations of the outcome.
• Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking prior to and after surgery to support healing.

A full assessment is required to determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on breast shape, skin elasticity, medical history, and personal goals.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks, and it’s important to have a detailed consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon to discuss expectations, outcomes, and potential complications. Dr Drielsma can provide personalised advice on the most suitable approach for your needs.

Contact Dr Drielsma for more information or to book your appointment! Dr Drielsma is happy to discuss the best breast lift technique for your surgery goals.