The scars from a breast lift depend on which technique is used. A periareolar (doughnut) lift leaves a scar only around the areola and suits mild drooping; a vertical or ‘lollipop’ lift adds a line from the areola to the fold and suits moderate drooping; an anchor (inverted-T) lift adds a scar in the fold and is used for more significant drooping or larger breasts.
Why there are different lift techniques
Breasts droop to different degrees. The more the nipple has dropped and the more excess skin there is, the more skin needs to be removed and the more reshaping is required. Each technique removes skin in a different pattern, and the scar follows the pattern. Surgeons aim to use the shortest scar that will still produce a good, lasting shape: a shorter scar that leaves a poor shape is not a good trade.
The three main patterns compared
- Periareolar (doughnut) lift: a ring of skin is removed around the areola. Scar: around the areola only. Suits: mild drooping, or reducing a large areola. Limitations: offers only a small lift and can flatten the breast or widen the areola if overused.
- Vertical (lollipop) lift: skin is removed around the areola and in a vertical strip below it, allowing the breast to be narrowed and projected. Scar: around the areola and down to the fold. Suits: moderate drooping. Limitations: the lower scar may pucker at first before settling.
- Anchor (inverted-T) lift: adds a horizontal excision in the fold. Scar: around the areola, down the breast and along the crease. Suits: significant drooping, large breasts or lots of loose skin. Limitations: the longest scar, with a junction point prone to slow healing.
How the right technique is chosen
Mr Nassab assesses the position of your nipple relative to the fold, the amount of excess skin, the size and shape of the breast, skin quality and your goals, including whether you want an implant. He will then recommend the technique most likely to give a good shape and explain the scars on your own body. In some cases, the length of the horizontal scar can be kept short, or avoided, by careful planning.
Scars with an implant
When an implant is added during a lift (augmentation mastopexy), the incision patterns are similar, but the implant adds volume that the skin must accommodate. Sometimes this means slightly less skin is removed. Occasionally a two-stage approach is recommended for safety. For patients with very mild drooping, an implant alone may provide enough lift without breast lift scars.
Which approach is right for you?
If your nipple sits at or just above the fold and your main concern is a large areola, a periareolar lift may be enough. If the nipple sits at or just below the fold with moderate excess skin, a vertical lift is often chosen. If the nipple sits well below the fold, points downwards or there is extensive loose skin, an anchor lift typically gives the most reliable shape. These are general guides; your consultation provides an individual recommendation.
How the scars heal and look long term
All breast lift scars are red and firmer for the first few months, then soften and fade over 12 to 18 months. The scar around the areola usually blends well with the colour change. Vertical and fold scars are generally hidden by a bra or bikini top. Silicone gel and sun protection help, and poor scars can be treated with injections or scar revision once mature.
Cost and next steps
A breast lift is from £11,500 and augmentation mastopexy from £12,500 whichever incision pattern is used. The £150 consultation is separate. You can read more about the operation on the breast lift page, and see the prices page for details. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breast lift leaves the smallest scar?
The periareolar lift, but it only suits mild drooping. Using it for larger lifts can lead to a flatter breast or a stretched areola.
Is a lollipop lift better than an anchor lift?
Neither is better overall. The lollipop suits moderate drooping, while the anchor lift is used when more skin needs to be removed.
Can a scarless breast lift be done?
No surgical lift is scarless. Some non-surgical treatments claim to tighten skin but cannot reposition a drooping breast significantly.
Can the incision type be chosen by the patient?
Your preferences matter, but the technique must match your anatomy to give a good shape. Mr Nassab will explain his recommendation.
