Breast lift incision placement is based on the patient’s anatomy, what they hope to achieve through surgery, and their surgeon’s professional opinion.
Certain breast lift incisions work well for certain patients. It specifically depends on the size and shape of the patient’s breasts before surgery, how much breast sagging is present, and their concerns about scarring. All of this will be discussed at your breast lift consultation appointment.
In this article, we’ll be talking everything breast lift incisions. But first, let’s answer one basic question: What is a breast lift surgery, and what does it entail?
What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift is a plastic surgery that lifts sagging breasts and repositions them higher on the chest wall to improve overall appearance and give the patient a more youthful silhouette.
Many women who’ve gone through one or more pregnancies seek breast lift surgery on its own, in tandem with a breast augmentation (breast implants), or as part of a mommy makeover. This is because pregnancy and breastfeeding commonly cause breast sagging.
Breast lift surgery is also a common procedure after massive weight loss. This is because drastic weight fluctuations can stretch and create excess breast skin, which will make breasts sag.
During a breast lift procedure, incisions are made in order to excise excess skin and reshape the underlying breast tissue. The breasts are lifted into a higher position, the position of the areolae and nipples is also adjusted, and the incisions are carefully closed, securing the newly shaped breasts into position for healing.
How Is a Breast Lift Different Than Breast Augmentation?
When it comes to a breast lift vs augmentation, the difference is fairly straightforward:
- A breast augmentation adds volume to the breasts.
- A breast lift removes excess skin and lifts the breasts.
Many patients mistakenly think they need a breast augmentation when breast lift surgery would actually achieve better results. The opposite is also true.
These two procedures are easily confused. Therefore, if you’re curious how to know if you need a breast lift or breast augmentation, we recommend booking a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Breast Lift Incision Types
There are four main types of breast lift incisions.
Crescent Incision
The crescent shaped incision is made on the top half of the outer edge of the areola. This breast lift incision is easily concealed within the pigmented area of the areola.
Donut Incision
Donut incisions go all the way around the areolae. Like the crescent incision, donut incision lines blend nicely with the darker skin of the areolae.
Lollipop Lift Incisions
The lollipop lift involves two breast lift incisions on each breast. The first is a donut incision around the areola, and the second is a vertical incision line running beneath the areola down to the breast crease.
Anchor Lift Incisions
The anchor incision pattern is essentially the lollipop incision pattern with one additional lateral incision made along the inframammary fold or breast crease (beneath the breast where the breast meets the abdomen).
Will I Have Breast Lift Scars?
Breast lift patients are often very concerned about scarring after their breast lift surgery. What’s important to remember is that all plastic surgery procedures requiring incisions will result in scars. Fortunately, your plastic surgeon will do their best to hide your incisions within your natural breast contours.
Breast lifts require incisions, so yes, at least one breast lift scar on each breast is inevitable for this surgical procedure. Fortunately, scars fade over time with proper care. In addition, when patients use silicone gel ointments or silicone gel sheets, they are likely to fade their scars even more.
FAQ: Breast Lift Surgery
What’s the difference between a breast lift and breast reduction?
A breast lift removes excess skin and lifts the breasts to reposition them higher on the chest. A breast reduction reduces the overall size of the breasts by excising breast skin and breast tissue. Often, the breasts are also repositioned and the nipples and areolae moved as well. Schedule a consultation to know whether a breast lift or breast reduction is right for you.
Can you get a breast lift after breast cancer?
Yes, breast lift surgery can be performed after breast cancer as long as the patient is in good health and is not undergoing any current medical treatments. Sometimes, a breast lift may be used alongside breast augmentation or as part of breast reconstruction to improve breast asymmetry after a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
What is breast lift recovery like?
After your breast lift, you will be put into a surgical bra and taken to a recovery room to commence the breast lift incision healing process. You will need help getting home and possibly help at home doing simple things like self-care, cooking, and errands.
Some pain, swelling, and bruising are common, but pain medication can be prescribed to keep you comfortable. It’s important that patients do not strain each breast lift incision opening. This will promote proper healing and reduce the appearance of scars over time. If you have any concerning symptoms or for a breast lift incision not healing, it is important to contact your plastic surgeon right away.
How much is a breast lift?
Breast lift cost varies. Dr. Schulman will need to discuss your primary concerns with you and review your medical history and anatomy before providing an estimated cost for surgery. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Contact Us Today to Request a Consultation
A breast lift can refresh and rejuvenate your profile and renew your self-esteem. After seeing their breast lift results, patients say they feel more comfortable in swimsuits, have fun shopping for new clothes again, and feel more generally confident wherever they go.
If you are interested in breast lift surgery, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/better-breasts-after-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding
