The different types of breast lifts

There are a variety of different incision techniques used for breast lift surgery. They are based on the existing breast tissue, the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed and individual goals for the outcome of the surgery. These types of mastopexy incisions are:

The anchor incision

Also known as the inverted T, it is used to correct considerable sagging and for the dramatic reshaping of the breasts.

There are three incisions involved in this technique, and it often results in the worst scarring compared to other techniques.

The incisions include: A vertical incision from the base of the areola to the breast crease, another along the breast crease and the last one around the areola. This is one of the oldest techniques and is used in conjunction with a breast reduction.

The crescent lift

The crescent lift incision technique is less commonly used than the other options. The incision is made along the upper part of the areola. A surgeon with opt for this technique when a breast lift is being conducted in  conjunction with breast augmentation as it is suited for women with minimal sagging.

This is largely due to the fact that this  type of incision cannot achieve the same amount of lift as the other techniques.

The lollipop lift

The lollipop or keyhole is a breast lift incision technique wherein one cut is made around the edge of the areola and another from the areola to the breast crease.

The incision creates a ‘lollipop’ or 'keyhole' shape. The scars are modest and easily hidden. This technique will be selected by a surgeon to reshape and correct moderate sagging.

The doughnut / donut lift

The doughnut / donut breast lift incision technique can correct moderate sagging with just a single scar. It is also referred to as a peri-areola lift.

Like the crescent lift, it is often performed along with a breast augmentation and it can also reduce the size of the areola. The incision goes along the edge of the areola.