If you have breasts that droop or sag, you may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery (mastopexy). The procedure can remove loose skin and tissue, making your breasts appear pert and perky. Dr. Brian J. Kobienia has helped countless women in the Minneapolis and Edina, MN area achieve their aesthetic goals thanks to breast lift.
Many breast lift patients have questions about incisions and post-surgical scarring. Let’s take a moment to consider where incisions are located during the procedure and what can be done to minimize the visibility of scars.
Traditional Breast Lift Incisions
During a traditional breast lift, the following incisions are made:
- A circular incision around the edge of the areola (the patch of skin around the nipple)
- A lateral incision along the crease where the bottom of the breast meets the chest
- A vertical incision along the lower curve of the breast connecting the previous two incisions
Through the anchor-shaped set of incisions, a plastic surgeon can remove excess tissue, revise the underlying structures of the breast, and improve the perkiness and contour of the bustline.
Lollipop Breast Lift Incisions
If a less extensive breast lift is required, a plastic surgeon may decide to use the lollipop incision technique instead. During this type of surgery, there are two incisions made:
- A circular incision around the edge of the areola
- A vertical incision along the lower curve of the breast from the bottom of the areola incision down to the crease where the breast meets the chest
Through these two incisions, a plastic surgeon is able to make all of the necessary adjustments to the firmness and perkiness of the breast.
Donut and Crescent Breast Lift Incisions
In some cases, a breast lift can be performed by only making an incision around the areola. The donut breast lift technique involves a circular incision around the entire areola. The crescent breast lift technique involves a partial incision around an arc of the areola.
These kinds of techniques may be used for minor drooping or sagging. It’s also possible to use these techniques when the breast lift is combined with augmentation and a silicone or saline implant is placed.
Will These Scars Be Visible?
Scarring is a reality with any surgical procedure, so breast lift scars will be visible to a certain degree. With time and proper aftercare, the scars will fade. The incision around the areola in particular tends to be well-hidden given how the scar tissue blends in with the edge of the areola and its pigmentation.
Keep in mind that the breast lift incisions are positioned so that they will be concealed by most tops, undergarments, and bathing suits.
Pre-Planning to Minimize Surgical Scars
Proper surgical planning is one way our Minneapolis area plastic surgery center helps reduce major scarring. If patients have a medical history when it comes to excessive scarring and scar tissue, we can modify the procedure to help reduce visible scarring. We can also suggest alternative procedures as needed.
Recovery and Surgical Aftercare to Reduce Scarring
In addition to pre-planning, our team provides patients will ample instructions for proper post-op care. Rest and wearing a surgical bra after surgery is crucial for optimal results. Patients are also advised to avoid the use of tobacco products and to abstain from alcohol consumption.
Additional tips for proper surgical aftercare can be provided during the consultation process.
What If My Breast Lift Scars Are Prominent?
If you have prominent scars after breast lift surgery, there are a few ways that they can be dealt with. Over-the-counter scar products can be helpful to a certain degree. For major scarring, there are professional treatments that can help minimize the texture and visibility of unwanted scar tissue.
Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery
If you would like more information about the benefits of breast lift and the surgical recovery process, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. You can reach our office in Edina at (612) 930-1111.
