The position of the breasts and nipples can be carefully lifted and readjusted with a breast lift, or mastopexy surgery.
Depending on the extent of tissue that needs to be repositioned, and what the patient is hoping to address, there are a few different ways the surgery can be approached.
Each technique is selected based on factors like skin elasticity, how much tissue needs to be adjusted, and the existing position of the nipple and areolae.
While the general goal is to reposition the breast tissue so that it sits higher on the chest, there’s no one-size-fits-all technique used for every patient.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common surgical methods used during mastopexy surgery.
Why are different breast lift (mastopexy surgery) techniques used?
Each patient will require a different level of lifting, and your surgeon will need to use the right technique to gain access to specific areas of the breasts.
The main techniques can be divided into different incision types, which allows your surgeon to adjust the tissue based on where the incisions can be placed.
To help your surgeon decide on the right technique to use, they will generally need to assess the breast shape and volume, the nipple position in relation to the crease under the breast, and the degree of excess skin. These physical aspects will guide which technique is most suitable.
In general, smaller adjustments to the nipple or skin are addressed with less extensive methods, while more noticeable changes, such as repositioning a nipple that sits significantly lower than the breast crease, may require a more extensive approach.
Different techniques exist so that the procedure can be tailored to the varying needs of each patient, and so that the possibilities for the results of the procedure can be much more versatile.
1. The crescent lift technique
The crescent lift is the least invasive form of mastopexy surgery and is typically only used when minimal adjustments will be made.
It involves placing a small, crescent-shaped incision just above the nipple – allowing for the nipple to be moved slightly higher, without any significant disruption to the surrounding tissue.
While the less invasive nature of this technique can be a virtue, there are some limitations that go with it. Essentially, this type of technique doesn’t provide your surgeon with the option of changing the overall shape of the breast much, or being able to remove much tissue.
Generally, it’s not typically used unless the nipple position is the main concern and no other adjustments are desired.
2. The periareolar technique
The periareolar lift involves a circular incision made around the entire outer edge of the areola. Once adjustments are made, the surrounding tissue can also be tightened to reposition the nipple slightly higher.
The technique is most often used for patients with mild to moderate tissue laxity, or for those who are also undergoing a breast augmentation to place breast implants at the same time.
While it can help to slightly reshape the breast, it’s generally more suitable for minor adjustments to the nipple position or tightening of the surrounding skin. It may also be used when the areola has stretched and needs to be reduced in size.
3. The vertical lift or ‘lollipop’ technique
The vertical lift, often called the “lollipop” lift because of the shape of the incision, is one of the most commonly used mastopexy surgery methods. It’s a step up from the periareolar technique in terms of how much skin and tissue it can address.
The technique uses two incisions – one circular one around the areola, and a second vertical line running down from the areola to the breast crease. This allows for excess skin to be removed both around the nipple and below it, which gives your surgeon more control over the reshaping and repositioning of the breast tissue.
Since more tissue can be adjusted with this method, it’s generally chosen when the breast sits lower on the chest and the nipple needs to be moved more than a small distance.
4. The anchor technique
For patients needing the most significant changes, particularly where there’s a lot of excess skin or a notable drop in the nipple position, the anchor lift (also known as the inverted-T technique) may be used. It’s more involved than the other techniques, but allows for a more substantial reshaping of the breast.
The method includes three incisions – one around the areola, one vertical line down to the crease, and a third along the breast fold. The approach gives your surgeon access to remove skin both vertically and horizontally, which allows for more shaping and lifting, particularly when there’s skin laxity in both directions.
While the results can be more physically significant with this method, the incision pattern does leave a longer scar, especially along the crease of the breast. That said, this scar often sits in the natural fold and is less visible when standing or wearing a bra.
How to know which technique you will need
Essentially, the most reliable way to determine the type of breast lift technique that will be the most suited to your needs (not just your goals, but also your anatomy and factors like the condition of your breast tissue), is to have a consultation with your surgeon.
Every patient’s chest wall, breast shape, and skin elasticity are different, so the best way to plan a surgical approach is with a detailed, face-to-face consultation process.
Discuss your breast lift surgery plan with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon: Request a consultation with Dr Broadhurst in Brisbane
An experienced surgeon will be trained to perform each type of breast lift surgery technique – as well as be able to determine which technique best suits your needs.
Dr Andrew Broadhurst is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Brisbane who has thorough experience in performing breast procedures, as well as other body procedures.
To discuss what a suitable surgery plan may look like for you, including the most suitable techniques and what to expect when it comes to incision placement, we recommend seeing Dr Broadhurst for a consultation.
To organise your consultation at a time that works for you, please get in touch with our team.
Further Reading about Breast Lift Surgery with Dr Broadhurst:
- Read BPS Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Surgery Page
- Read BPS blog about Is Breast Lift Surgery Covered by Medicare
- Read BPS blog about Breast Lift Surgery: Recovery Tips to Follow
- Read BPS blog about Am I A Candidate for Breast Lift or Breast Reduction
- Read BPS blog about Do I Need Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation
Medical References about Breast Lift Surgery
