Plastic surgery is always evolving to ensure patients receive the best possible results and treatment. Over the years, qualified plastic surgeons have developed cutting edge techniques to improve the look and longevity of breast surgery. This includes the highly popular breast lift procedure. There are 3 breast lift techniques qualified plastic surgeons prefer, however one stands out above the rest. So join us as we discuss the top 3 cosmetic breast lift surgery techniques and why some of Australia’s top plastic surgeons prefer the LeJour breast lift.
1: The LeJour Breast Lift or Lollipop 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” look that characterises this technique. This technique produces the best possible breast shape of the three popular techniques with a better appearance to the vertical scar.
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 aerola. Because of the location, the technical name for this procedure is the “peri-areolar” incision. The Benelli technique is suitable for women with mild to moderate degrees of sagging. Women favour this technique as it can show less obvious scarring than other breast lift surgeries.
However, this technique is not recommended for dramatic changes to large breasts or those with prominent drooping. Further, if performed by an unqualified plastic surgeon, the Benelli technique can result in a flattening of the breast. It can also cause enlarged areolas.
3: The Anchor Breast Lift
The anchor incision is characterised by an incision that goes around the perimeter of the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease. From there, the incision runs horizontally along the breast crease, forming the anchor shape. Compared to the other two breast lift procedures, this technique produces the most scarring. The anchor incision is the oldest technique for breast lift surgery and also has the most visible scarring. The scars are often apparent even with underwear and swimwear.
Do I Need a Lollipop Breast Lift?
The LeJour breast lift is popular for medium and large breasts with moderate to severe ptosis. It produces excellent 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, more natural, anatomical placement.
Lollipop Breast Lift – a Commonly Requested Procedure
The LeJour technique is one of the most commonly requested breast lift technique. This is due to the fact that it returns the breasts to a more youthful looking position and contour with minimal incision lines. The scar is generally shorter than some older breast lift techniques.
Lollipop Breast Lift Benefits
This form of breast lift elevates the nipples and reduces the size of the areola if this is a concern for patients. Further, it also tightens the breast skin envelope. As mentioned above, the scar from the lollipop lift is also less noticeable than that of the anchor breast lift.
Finally, recovery from the LeJour procedure may be less complicated than other traditional breast lift procedures.
Lollipop Lift vs the Benelli Lift
The Benelli or “doughnut” breast lift is only recommended for women who have minimal drooping or who are only looking to correct 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 (drooping or sagging of the breast). While scarring is more significant for the Lollipop lift, in comparison to the Benelli lift, it is still less significant than older breast lift techniques and is better 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 sagging skin. This can also be used if your breast lift is being combined with a breast reduction procedure. However, the anchor lift leaves far more scarring than the Lollipop 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 Breast Lift?
Patients who present with mild to moderate sagging and mild to moderate skin laxity are best suited to the LeJour breast lift technique. Further, patients should be in good overall health and not suffer from medical conditions that may make a breast lift dangerous to overall wellness.
Dr Drielsma prides himself on improving all aspects of your appearance and emotional and physical comfort. Excited to reclaim your younger, perkier looking breasts? Contact Dr Drielsma today for more information or to book your appointment! Dr Drielsma is happy to discuss the best breast lift technique for your surgery goals.