Breast Lift Techniques: Which Is Right for You? By Stephen Hardy M.D. on April 20, 2015

Over time, most women have to deal with the loss of elasticity in their breasts. As they age, their breasts begin to droop, a process that can be hastened due to pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and simple physics. Some women accept this change in the shape of their breasts as part of their personal evolution. Others, however, choose to undergo breast lift surgery as a means of restoring their breasts to a more youthful appearance.

At North West Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Stephen P. Hardy has helped numerous women rejuvenate their figures and feel more confident about their bodies through breast lift surgery. As with most procedures he performs, Dr. Hardy is able to customize breast lift surgery to an extremely high degree, personalizing the procedure to the precise needs and goals of each unique patient. He explains the available breast lift techniques during consultations at his Missoula office so that patients can make the most informed decisions possible regarding their treatment.

Which breast lift technique would be most appropriate in your case? Each technique offers its own unique advantages. Dr. Hardy would be happy to discuss your breast lift options with you, as well as to address your questions and concerns, during a confidential, one-on-one consultation at his plastic surgery center.

The Most Common Techniques for Performing Breast Lift Surgery

The breast lift technique chosen to perform your surgery will depend on several factors, including your goals, the extent of your ptosis (the clinical term for sagging), and the scope of the surgery. The four most common breast lift techniques are:

The Anchor Technique: This is the most time-tested of all the breast lift techniques. The anchor technique involves the placement of an incision around the outer edge of the areola, followed by a vertical incision that extends down to the crease of the breast, and then another incision that runs along the crease of the breast. This technique remains the most widely used for cases in which dramatic changes need to be made.
The Lollipop Technique: This is a variation of the anchor technique, which involves the creation of an incision around the outer edge of the areola followed by a vertical incision that extends down to the crease of the breast. The result is an incision that resembles a lollipop. Although less invasive than the anchor technique, it is suited only for women with moderate sagging.
The Peri-areolar Technique: This minimally invasive technique requires just one incision, around the outer edge of the areola. This technique is commonly used in cases of mild sagging, although Dr. Hardy is often able to adopt the technique to cases involving moderate sagging with good results.
The Crescent Technique: Patients who are experiencing extremely mild sagging may be able to achieve good results through “crescent” incisions, single incisions made along the outer edge of only the upper half of the areola.