Breast Lift Scar Guide

If you’re frustrated with how gravity and the aging process have affected your breasts, you may be considering a breast lift. However, while many women wish to boost their breasts back up to a more youthful position, they’re also concerned about the scarring that may result. In this blog, we discuss the reasons to choose breast lift surgery, what types of scars you can expect after your breast lift, and how to reduce the appearance of your breast lift scars.

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Reasons to Undergo Breast Lift Surgery

Like any cosmetic surgery, choosing to undergo breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, is a very personal decision. Some women wish to restore the shape and elevation of their breasts after the changes brought about by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Other women may choose a breast lift because they want to feel more confident in their skin as they age, and sagging breasts are making them feel self-conscious. Whatever your reason, a breast lift can give you a more attractive body contour and address other issues around the appearance of your breasts, including excess skin and stretched or large areolas.

Types of Breast Lift Scars

Periareolar Breast Lift Scar

A periareolar breast lift, also called a donut lift, is performed on women with smaller breasts and minor sagging. The incision is placed around the areola, just outside the circle of color. Another incision is made around the first one, removing a donut-shaped section of skin. The breast skin is tightened and sutured closed, leaving you with a lift of about one to two inches.

The scar from a periareolar lift is minor, and because it is on the edge of the areola, it is often completely hidden once it heals.

Lollipop Breast Lift Scar

The lollipop lift, sometimes called a vertical breast lift, is so named because of the shape of the incisions. Designed for moderate sagging, a lollipop lift uses a periareolar incision and adds a vertical line down the center of your breast from the areola to the breast crease. Excess skin and tissue are removed, the breast is reshaped, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to ensure they are in the correct spot on your newly lifted breasts. 

Part of the scar from the lollipop lift is hidden in the areola, while the vertical scar leaves a thin line on the bottom half of your breast.

Anchor Breast Lift Scar

Also called an inverted T lift, the anchor lift uses the incisions from a lollipop lift and adds a third incision placed horizontally along the breast crease. An anchor lift is designed for women who have larger breasts and a significant amount of sagging. Once the incisions are made, your surgeon reshapes your breast tissue, repositions your nipple on the center of your breast, and trims away excess skin. Once this is complete, the incisions are closed. 

Scarring after an anchor lift may be more noticeable, however, the scars are thin and mostly hidden by the areola and the natural breast crease. 

How to Reduce the Visibility of Your Breast Lift Scars

Following your surgeon’s instructions for recovery is essential to ensure that your breast lift scars remain small and fade as much as possible. Caring for your incisions properly as you heal is crucial, as complications like infection or poor wound healing can make scars worse. Some of the ways to minimize scarring include:

• Avoiding nicotine use, as it slows healing and leaves you vulnerable to complications 
• Keeping your incisions clean and dry
• Massaging your scars to break up scar tissue and prevent them from raising
• Using silicone scar sheets, creams, or gels to fade scars
• Applying sun protection to prevent scars from darkening

If your scars are still more visible than you’d like, scar revision options, including laser treatments and light therapies, are available to further reduce their appearance.  

Learn More About Breast Lifts in Oxford, MS

When you’re ready to defy aging and reclaim firmer and perkier breasts, it’s time to consider a breast lift. At Shell Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dan Shell is a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast surgery specialist whose experience and expertise in breast procedures extends from breast augmentation to breast reduction, and, of course, breast lifts. To discover if you’re a good candidate for breast lift surgery, call our office today at (662) 236-6465 or complete the online contact form.