Breast Lift Types: Which Is Right For Me?

Breast lifts are a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can help women achieve a more youthful, perky, and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. If you are considering a breast lift, it’s important to understand the different types of breast lifts available and what to expect from the procedure. 

In this article, we’ll explore the various types of breast lifts, who is a good candidate for the procedure, and what to expect during and after the surgery.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A BREAST LIFT, also known  as a mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue to raise the breasts and nipples on the chest. The procedure can help improve the shape, position, and symmetry of the breasts, as well as enhance their overall appearance. Breast sagging is a common concern among women, and different breast lift techniques can help address this issue. 

A breast lift can also help bras and swimsuits fit more comfortably and attractively. In some cases, breast reduction may be recommended in conjunction with a breast lift to achieve the desired results.

Breast lift Incision Types

There are several types of breast lifts available, each designed to address different degrees of sagging and breast shape. The four main types of breast lifts are:

Crescent Lift

The crescent lift is the least invasive type of breast lift and involves making a small incision around the top half of the areola. It is typically used for women with mild sagging and minimal breast asymmetry. The crescent lift is best suited for women who have a small amount of sagging and only need a slight lift. This type of lift is not recommended for women with moderate to severe sagging.

Periareolar Lift

The periareolar lift, or the “donut lift,” involves making an incision around the entire areola. It is used for women with mild to moderate sagging and can help improve the shape and position of the nipple. The periareolar lift is best suited for women who have mild to moderate sagging and want to improve the position of their nipples. This type of lift is not recommended for women with severe sagging.

Vertical Lift

The vertical lift, also known as a lollipop lift, involves making an incision around the areola and down the front of the breast. It is used for women with moderate to severe sagging and can help reshape the breast tissue for a more youthful appearance. The vertical lift is best suited for women who have moderate to severe sagging and want to achieve a more youthful breast shape. This type of lift is not recommended for women with mild sagging.

Anchor Lift

The anchor lift is the most invasive type of breast lift and involves making an incision around the areola, down the front of the breast, and along the breast crease. It is used for women with severe sagging and can help achieve a dramatic improvement in breast shape and position. The anchor lift is best suited for women who have severe sagging and want to achieve a significant improvement in breast shape and position. This type of lift is not recommended for women with mild to moderate sagging.

What Is The Best Incision Type For You?

Choosing the right incision type for your breast lift procedure is crucial to achieving optimal results. There are several types of breast lifts available, each designed to address different degrees of sagging and breast shape. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best incision type for you:

Degree of Sagging

• Women with mild sagging may benefit from a crescent or periareolar lift.
• Women with moderate to severe sagging may require a vertical or anchor lift.

Nipple Position

• If your nipples are pointing downward, a periareolar or anchor lift may be recommended.
• If your nipples are in a good position but your breasts are sagging, a vertical lift may be sufficient.

Desired Outcome

• If you want a subtle lift, a crescent or periareolar lift may be the best option.
• If you want a more dramatic improvement in breast shape and position, a vertical or anchor lift may be necessary.

At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery in Greenville, SC, Dr. Thomas McFadden and his team will help you determine the best incision type for your breast lift procedure. They use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure safe and effective results. CONSULT  with Dr. McFadden to discuss your options and determine the best approach for you.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a good option for women who are unhappy with the shape, position, or symmetry of their breasts due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics. Ideal candidates for a breast lift are in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure, and are non-smokers.

It’s important to note that a breast lift alone may not achieve a patient’s desired results. If you feel your breasts look “deflated” or have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, your plastic surgeon can place breast implants during breast lift surgery to restore fullness and shape to the breast. If you have always wanted larger, lifted breasts, a breast augmentation with lift can help you achieve both with a single procedure and recovery.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Breast lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The procedure takes about 1-2 hours to perform, depending on the extent of the lift.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make the necessary incisions based on the type of breast lift you are having. They will then remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to achieve the desired lift and shape. Once the lift is complete, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply dressings and a supportive bra.

Aftercare and Recovery

After breast lift surgery, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for caring for your incisions, including how to clean and dress them. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after the procedure, but this should subside within a few weeks.

It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure that your incisions are healing properly and that you are on track for a smooth recovery. You should also avoid smoking and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain your results.

Other Treatments Offered at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery in Greenville, SC

In addition to breast lift surgery, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery in Greenville, SC, led by Dr. Thomas McFadden, offers a range of surgical procedures to help patients achieve their desired look. Here are some of the other procedures offered at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery:

MOMMY MAKEOVER 

• A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures designed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body.
• It typically includes a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction.
• The mommy makeover is ideal for women who have experienced significant changes to their body after pregnancy and childbirth.

TUMMY TUCK 

• A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles.
• It is ideal for men and women who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.

Dr. Thomas McFadden and his team at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery provide personalized care and use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure safe and effective results. If you are considering a breast lift or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION  with Dr. McFadden to discuss your options and determine the best approach for you.

Conclusion

A breast lift can help women achieve a more youthful, perky, and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. By understanding the different types of breast lifts available and what to expect from the procedure, you can make an informed decision about whether a breast lift is right for you.

If you are considering a breast lift, be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing this procedure. With the right surgeon and proper aftercare, you can achieve beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your overall appearance and boost your self-confidence.

FAQs

What is a scarless breast lift method?

A scarless breast lift method is a non-surgical technique designed to lift and tighten the breasts without leaving visible scars. This approach typically involves using radiofrequency or liposuction to tighten the skin and tissue around the breasts. Scarless breast lift methods are often best suited for women with mild to moderate sagging who desire a subtle lift. By utilizing these techniques, patients can achieve a more youthful and lifted appearance without the need for traditional surgical incisions and subsequent scarring.

What is Type 3 breast sagging?

Type 3 breast sagging, also known as pseudoptosis, is a condition characterized by the nipple being positioned below the breast crease, with the majority of the breast tissue located below the nipple. This type of sagging is commonly caused by factors such as aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or genetics. 

To address Type 3 breast sagging and achieve a more lifted and youthful breast shape, a breast lift procedure is typically recommended. Options such as a vertical or anchor lift can help reshape the breast tissue and reposition the nipple to a higher position, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing breast contour.

What is the breast lift procedure called when the nipple is lowered?

The breast lift procedure called when the nipple is lowered is known as a breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty. This surgical procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breasts and lift the nipple to a higher position. By reducing the volume and reshaping the breast tissue, a breast reduction can alleviate discomfort or pain caused by large, heavy breasts. This procedure is particularly beneficial for women who experience physical discomfort, such as back or shoulder pain, due to the weight and sagging of their breasts.