For women who are frustrated with the look of sagging breasts — whether due to the natural aging process, the cosmetic effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding, or major rapid weight loss — cosmetic breast lift surgery is often an effective way to raise the breasts to a higher, more youthful-looking position on the chest wall.
How do you know which breast lift technique is right for you? Miami breast lift plastic surgeon Dr. Ary Krau explains.
Available Breast Lift Techniques
There are two main breast lift techniques available. The first involves a periareolar incision, which extends around the outer perimeter of the areola, paired with a vertical incision that runs down the front of the breast, from the lower edge of the areola to the natural breast crease (often called a “lollipop” breast lift). The second breast lift technique involves the lollipop incision pattern, along with an additional horizontal incision positioned under the crease of the breast. Either technique can be performed with or without the use of breast implants, for more fullness throughout the upper breast pole.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Lift Technique
Of course, patients desire as few incisions as possible during breast lift surgery, as this will minimize the number of scars patients have following the procedure. However, the degree of breast ptosis (sagging) and whether the patient has overly enlarged areolas with southward-pointing nipples must be taken into account when deciding on an appropriate breast lift technique for the patient.
For instance, women with mild to moderate breast ptosis and nipples that are located close to the center of the breast and point forward (instead of toward the ground) might be good candidates for the lollipop breast lift technique, as Dr. Krau needs to lift less breast tissue with these patients and does not need to reposition the nipple.
In contrast, women with severe breast ptosis and overly enlarged areolas might require the anchor breast lift technique, which allows Dr. Krau to reshape the breast mound while lifting it to a higher position on the chest wall, as well as to reduce the size of the areolas and reposition them in a more central location on the newly lifted breasts.
Come in for a Consultation
The best way to determine which breast lift technique is right for you is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Krau. During your consultation, Dr. Krau can examine your breasts and assess your degree of ptosis and your skin health. He will also evaluate the size and positioning of your nipple-areola complex. In addition, Dr. Krau will listen to your aesthetic concerns before recommending the appropriate treatment option to satisfy your aesthetic concerns and anatomical requirements.
To schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Krau to learn more about your breast lift surgery treatment options, please contact his office by calling (305) 861-6881.