A breast lift (mastopexy) is a common cosmetic procedure designed to restore a more youthful shape and position to the breasts. Factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight fluctuations can cause the breasts to sag, a condition known as ptosis. Surgeons utilize several distinct techniques to address these changes, depending on the amount of lift and skin removal required.
Defining the Lollipop Incision
The term “lollipop lift” refers specifically to the pattern of the surgical incisions, which resembles a lollipop on a stick. This technique involves two primary incisions for reshaping the breast tissue. The first incision is circular, made entirely around the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple).
The second incision is a single vertical line extending directly downward from the bottom edge of the areola to the inframammary fold (the natural crease beneath the breast). This pattern is significantly less extensive than the “anchor” or “inverted-T” incision, which adds a third horizontal cut along the inframammary fold. Avoiding this third incision results in a smaller overall scar footprint, making the lollipop method preferred when the degree of necessary skin removal is moderate.
Suitability for the Lollipop Lift
The lollipop technique is suited for patients with mild to moderate breast sagging (ptosis). A surgeon evaluates sagging severity based on the nipple’s position relative to the inframammary fold. Patients whose nipples fall below the fold but remain above the lower contour of the breast are considered good candidates. This level of ptosis requires moderate skin tightening and nipple repositioning, which the vertical incision handles effectively.
The technique allows for sufficient skin removal and internal tissue manipulation to achieve a noticeable lift without requiring the wide access of the anchor incision. However, the lollipop lift is not suitable for all cases. Individuals with severe ptosis, where the nipple is significantly below the breast crease and skin laxity is extensive, usually require the more comprehensive anchor incision to manage the large amount of excess skin. The choice of incision depends directly on the patient’s anatomy and the extent of necessary breast reshaping.
The Steps of the Procedure
Once the lollipop incisions are created, the procedure focuses on internal restructuring. The surgeon removes the predetermined amount of excess skin and tightens the surrounding skin envelope. This accommodates the newly elevated breast tissue and ensures a firm contour.
The lift involves reshaping and condensing the underlying glandular tissue. This internal tissue is sculpted to create a projected breast shape that provides long-lasting support. Internal sutures secure the remodeled breast tissue to the chest wall, helping maintain the new position against gravity. Finally, the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is repositioned to a higher location on the breast mound. The incisions are then closed in layers, minimizing tension to promote optimal scar healing.
Recovery, Scarring, and Results
The post-operative recovery phase involves managing expected symptoms, including mild to moderate pain, bruising, and swelling. Patients are instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra continuously for several weeks to minimize swelling and maintain the new breast position. Light daily activities can be resumed after one to two weeks, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise must be avoided for six to eight weeks to prevent complications.
The resulting vertical and circumareolar scars initially appear red or pink and may be slightly raised, which is normal during healing. Scar maturation is a gradual process taking 12 to 18 months, during which scars lighten and flatten to a thin, skin-colored line. Protecting scars from sun exposure and following a surgeon’s advice on scar management (e.g., using silicone products) is important for the final appearance. The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, often maintaining improvement for 10 to 15 years. However, the outcome’s longevity is influenced by future weight fluctuations, subsequent pregnancies, and the natural aging process.