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As breast lift surgery has become a substantially more popular procedure in the last several years, the technique for carrying it out also continues to advance. If you’ve ever struggled with finding clothes that fit properly due to sagging breasts, then you’re not alone. You might be surprised to find out that breast lifts have grown by 70% since 2000, outpacing breast implants two-to-one!
One thing’s for sure; many different techniques are used to lift breasts. Through his advanced experience performing breast surgery and a thorough individualized patient consultation process, Dr. William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS, of the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), can determine which technique is right for you!
Dr. Vinyard understands that each patient has different aesthetic goals and needs. Therefore, he considers several factors when determining the right breast lift type. Dr. Vinyard is the ideal expert to assess all of these factors in an individual because of his extensive experience in breast lift surgery.
While there are many types of breast lifts, Dr. Vinyard will choose the one that’s best for you by considering several factors: your age, lifestyle choices, body type, current elasticity of the skin, the volume available to be elevated (i.e., amount of excess skin), previous surgeries or scars, and whether you currently have implants or not. Dr. Vinyard will be there at every step to ensure you make the right choice for your body!
Once Dr. Vinyard has picked the breast lift type that’s best for you, he will explain his plan during your consultation so that you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.
As mentioned, several factors come into play when choosing the best type of breast lift for you, and there are also several options for surgical techniques. These options include:
A vertical lift, also known as the “lollipop” technique, is a procedure ideal for women who have moderate breast sagging and require more reshaping of the breast.
The procedure involves making two incisions: one circular incision around the outside edge of the areola and another vertical incision made from the bottom of the areola down to the natural breast crease (inframammary fold). The shape of the incisions resembles a lollipop, hence the nickname “lollipop lift.”
The lollipop lift is the most commonly used breast lift technique. It allows a cosmetic plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and reshape the entire breast with small, slightly visible scars.
An anchor lift is a procedure that can dramatically reshape the breasts by correcting extensive sagging. This type of lift is also called an “inverted T” lift or an anchor breast lift because of the shape of the surgical incisions. An anchor lift involves three incisions: one around the edge of the areola, one vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and one along the inframammary fold, hidden in the breast crease. This technique allows Dr. Vinyard to remove a significant amount of excess skin and sagging tissue, resulting in a more youthful breast appearance.
An anchor lift may be the best option for considerable sagging. This technique is often used in conjunction with breast reduction. The anchor lift will result in visible scarring that will fade significantly with proper post-op care and treatment.
A periareolar incision, also known as a “donut” lift, is a procedure that helps to improve mild sagging in the breasts. The surgery is performed by making a circular incision around the edge of the areola. The resulting scar traces the edge of the areola.
This type of lift is a good option for women experiencing mild sagging yet looking for the benefits of breast lift surgery.
The first factor that Dr. Vinyard takes into consideration is age. As women grow older and enter menopause, they often have more excess skin on their breasts due to hormonal changes in the body, specifically changes in breast composition from mostly breast tissue to more fatty tissue. Loss of collagen, elastin, changing breast tissue, and lack of support to the breast and implant can cause sagging in addition to an unnatural shape to the breast over time. While this is a very natural and healthy part of the aging process, it can still be disheartening and make women feel less confident in their appearance.
Dr. Vinyard also considers the patient’s prior breast surgeries. If you have had a prior breast augmentation or a breast lift in the past, Dr. Vinyard may utilize the old scar during the lift procedure, or make new incisions, depending upon the type of lift and the patient’s breasts.
Depending on the patient’s weight and skin elasticity, Dr. Vinyard may choose either of the following two breast lift techniques:
When it comes to breast lifts, Dr. Vinyard considers the patient’s breast size important in determining the best type of lift for them. He always makes sure to choose a lift that will give the patient the results they are hoping for while minimizing scarring.
However, it is ultimately up to the patient if they want their breasts to be smaller or not. There is a limit on how small Dr. Vinyard can make them based on the patient’s anatomy, but he will always work with the patient to achieve the best possible outcome.
When you visit Dr. Vinyard for a breast lift, he will discuss the different options available to you and help you choose the best one for your desired results. One of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether or not to use an implant with your lift.
If you’re looking for more upper pole fullness, he may recommend placing the implant above the muscle during a lift. This is called the lollipop technique, and it’s a great option if you’re also getting a breast augmentation. The lollipop technique will create a more youthful appearance and is typically the best option for women who have lost a lot of breast tissue.
However, Dr. Vinyard typically does not use an implant with an anchor lift due to the risk to the blood supply. Furthermore, the decision of whether or not to use an implant is up to you. Dr. Vinyard will help you make the best choice for your individual needs.
Dr. Vinyard knows that every breast lift technique has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, he does not promote one lift over another. Instead, he tailors his recommendations to each patient based on their unique characteristics.
Choosing the right breast lift type is an important decision. Dr. Vinyard understands that there are many factors to consider when deciding which technique will be best for you and your particular needs. Additionally, Dr. Vinyard completed an Advanced Fellowship in Breast Surgery and thus has extensive training in breast procedures. You can rest assured that he is the right choice if you are considering a breast lift.
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As you consider your breast aesthetic goals, Dr. Vinyard and his team of experts wield many options for restoring a youthful look and feel for your breasts. A breast lift can be an incredible addition to your treatment plan, and Dr. Vinyard and his team of experts are ready to support you in achieving your aesthetic goals. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Vinyard, or call us at (772) 362-3357 to find out the next steps in your breast lift journey! Our office at 291 NW Peacock Blvd, Suite 103, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986, proudly serves the SE Florida area! We also invite you to check out our blog page, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about the treatment plans available at our office!
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