Patients who are considering breast lift surgery may find it challenging to decipher between the different lift techniques and which option is best for them. Here, we discuss one of the most popular breast lift techniques, the lollipop lift. We cover how the lollipop lift works, how it compares to other incision techniques, who is a good candidate for the lollipop lift, and what can be expected from recovery and the results.
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Restoring Perky Breasts
Many women want their breasts to be perky, full, and have a youthful appearance. Breasts that are at an elevated and youthful position tend to flatter the body’s natural silhouette and complement many form-fitting tops, bras, and swimsuits. Unfortunately, no woman’s breasts are immune to the force of gravity, which, over time, causes the breasts to drop lower.
This sagging of the breasts can occur at different stages of life for different women. Some women experience sagging after pregnancy or breastfeeding, while others may experience it due to the natural aging process. Additionally, women with larger breasts may experience breast sagging earlier than other women due to the extra weight on their chests drawing the breasts down.
It can be emotionally challenging to accept changes in your breasts’ appearance, especially since these changes are often out of your control. However, rejuvenating the breasts and restoring a youthful position is something that can be in your control by choosing to get a breast lift. Breast lift surgery removes excess sagging skin, repositions the breast tissue, and tightens the skin, leaving patients with improvements in their breast shape and position.
Breast Lift Techniques: The Lollipop Lift
There are various breast lift techniques that surgeons use to create the best possible results for each unique patient. One of the most popular techniques is the lollipop lift, which is also called the keyhole incision. This technique gets its name due to the shape of the incision, as the incision encircles the areola and goes vertically down the breast crease, resembling the basic outline of a lollipop.
During a lollipop lift, you’ll be given anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. Your surgeon will make the lollipop incision, allowing them to adjust the underlying breast tissues and create a fuller breast shape. The breast skin will be pulled firmly over the new breast contours, and excess skin will be trimmed to eliminate sagging.
Lollipop breast lifts are typically recommended for patients with moderate sagging who do not want to add breast implants. The shape of the incision produces moderate scarring, and scars fade over time with proper aftercare and sun protection.
How Does a Lollipop Lift Differ From Other Breast Lift Techniques?
Each breast lift technique has its own unique incision shape. Other than the lollipop lift, two popular techniques are the anchor and donut incisions.
The anchor incision technique has a very similar shape to the lollipop incision; however, instead of finishing as a vertical line down the breast crease, it continues horizontally underneath the breast crease. Since the anchor incision involves a large incision, it produces the most scarring compared to other options. However, the plus side to this is that the anchor incision provides the most extensive correction, which is why it is often recommended for patients with significant breast sagging.
The donut incision only goes around the areola’s perimeter. Since this technique requires a smaller incision, it leaves minimal scarring. Scars often fade quite nicely and are difficult to detect due to the areola’s pigment. On the flip side, it is important to understand that the donut incision cannot provide lifting results as dramatic as other approaches. This is why the donut technique is recommended for patients with minor sagging, as they can often achieve the best results with this option.
The reasoning behind having different incision shapes and sizes is that every woman has different goals and concerns regarding her breasts. Certain incision techniques will work better for some patients compared to others—it all depends on the patient’s breasts and desired results.
Am I a Candidate for a Lollipop Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a lollipop breast lift if you:
- Have a moderate degree of breast sagging
- Are not planning on adding breast implants to your lift
- Are okay with moderate scarring
- Have realistic expectations for breast lift results
One of the best ways to determine if a lollipop lift can achieve your desired look is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. Dr. Troy Andreasen performs lollipop breast lifts in Ontario, CA, and can help evaluate if this procedure is right for you.
What Is Lollipop Breast Lift Recovery Like?
Healing from a lollipop breast lift will be mostly the same as any other breast lift recovery. It is essential to refrain from rigorous physical activities and avoid putting pressure on your chest. This also means that you’ll need to modify your sleeping positions and lie on your back at an elevated angle, either using stacks of pillows or a recliner. Your healing breasts may have some redness and swelling, and your chest may feel sore. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medications to help manage discomfort during recovery.
What Can Be Expected From Lollipop Breast Lift Results?
After a lollipop breast lift, patients can expect an improved breast contour and an elevated breast position. Patients can enjoy showing off their youthful, perky breasts in tight-fitting clothing while feeling confident in their appearance. To maintain lollipop breast lift results, it is essential to keep your weight stable, avoid subsequent pregnancies, keep your skin moisturized, and wear sunscreen whenever your chest is exposed to the sun.
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation in Ontario, CA
Are you curious about whether the lollipop breast lift is right for you? Dr. Andreasen and our Ontario office team are ready to help you along your breast lift journey. We offer in-person and virtual consultations for your convenience.
To learn more about the lollipop lift and if it can help you achieve your breast goals, call (909) 291-4900. You can also fill out our online contact form today.
