Many women feel self-conscious about the shape or position of their breasts, often due to factors like gravity, aging, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. These concerns aren’t limited to women with large breasts—moderately-sized breasts can also experience sagging, loss of firmness, or uneven positioning.
At Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Arthur Shektman and his expert team understand the emotional and physical toll these changes can have. Thankfully, modern cosmetic surgery offers two highly effective breast lift techniques: the lollipop lift and the anchor lift.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two popular procedures, how they can help you achieve your ideal look, and which one might be the best fit for your body and goals.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and elevates sagging breasts.
Unlike breast augmentation, which focuses on increasing breast size with implants, a breast lift is all about restoring firmness and positioning for a more youthful contour.
Both the lollipop lift and anchor lift are types of breast lift surgeries that offer different levels of correction based on a woman’s breast size and degree of sagging.
The Anchor Lift: Comprehensive Lift for Significant Sagging
The anchor lift, also known as the inverted-T lift, is considered the traditional and most comprehensive breast lift technique. It’s often recommended for women with significant sagging or those with larger breasts.
Incision Pattern
The anchor lift requires three incisions. One is made around the areola, another vertically down to the breast crease, and the third follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. This incision pattern allows the surgeon the most access to reshape the breast tissue and remove excess skin.
Benefits
The anchor lift offers a dramatic transformation, as it allows for significant reshaping and lifting of the breasts. The surgeon can also reposition the nipple for a more natural, youthful look.
Who is it for?
Women with more severe sagging or larger breasts benefit most from this procedure. It provides a more extensive correction that may not be possible with less invasive techniques.
Scarring
Due to the size and number of incisions, the anchor lift does leave more noticeable scars. However, with proper care and time, the scars will fade and can often be concealed by bras or swimsuits.
While the anchor lift is highly effective, it is a more invasive procedure, and the recovery time is longer due to the more extensive incisions.
The Lollipop Lift: A Less Invasive Approach
The lollipop lift, also called the vertical scar lift, is a less invasive alternative that works best for women with moderate sagging. It’s designed to offer significant results without the need for an incision along the breast crease.
Incision Pattern
The lollipop lift involves only two incisions: one around the areola and one vertically down the lower half of the breast, resembling a lollipop on a stick. There is no incision under the breast crease, which results in less scarring.
Benefits
The lollipop lift provides a good balance between noticeable lifting and minimal scarring. It’s particularly effective for moderately sized breasts that don’t require extensive reshaping. The minimal incisions also mean a quicker recovery time.
Who is it for?
Women with moderately sized breasts experiencing mild to moderate sagging are ideal candidates for this procedure. It offers a natural-looking lift without the need for an extended incision.
Scarring
With fewer incisions, scarring from the lollipop lift is typically less pronounced than with the anchor lift. The scars are also well-concealed by clothing and will fade over time with proper post-surgical care.
Choosing Between the Lollipop Lift and the Anchor Lift
The decision between the lollipop lift and the anchor lift depends largely on your unique anatomy and cosmetic goals. Dr. Shektman will help you determine which procedure is best suited to your needs based on factors such as:
- Degree of Sagging: The more sagging present, the more likely the anchor lift will be recommended, as it provides more comprehensive correction.
- Breast Size: Larger breasts often require the anchor lift to achieve the best results, while moderately sized breasts are typically ideal for the lollipop lift.
- Desired Outcome: If you’re looking for a subtle, natural lift with minimal scarring, the lollipop lift may be the right choice for you. For more dramatic reshaping, the anchor lift might be necessary.
During your consultation at Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shektman will thoroughly evaluate your breasts and discuss the best approach to meet your expectations.
Recovery After a Breast Lift
While both procedures are effective, they vary slightly in terms of recovery:
- Anchor Lift Recovery: Since this procedure is more invasive, the recovery time tends to be a bit longer. You’ll need about 1-2 weeks before returning to sedentary work, and heavy lifting or strenuous activities should be avoided for 6-8 weeks.
- Lollipop Lift Recovery: With less invasive incisions, recovery is generally quicker with the lollipop lift. Most patients return to their daily routines within a week, with light activity restrictions lasting about 4-6 weeks.
Regardless of the procedure, it’s crucial to follow all post-operative instructions from Dr. Shektman to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. Both techniques offer long-lasting results, and you’ll enjoy your new look for years to come.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. These include infection, changes in nipple sensation, scarring, and asymmetry. However, under the skilled hands of Dr. Shektman, these risks are minimized through precise surgical techniques and individualized care.
Breast Lift in Wellesley, MA
Whether you choose the lollipop lift or the anchor lift, both procedures can provide transformative results, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
At Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Arthur Shektman specializes in breast lift surgeries tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. If you’re considering a breast lift, call (781) 239-0680 or reach out online to schedule a consultation and find out which technique is right for you.