An anchor breast lift is typically the most advanced option for breast lift surgery. It requires the most incisions but can remove the most excess skin, tissue, and fat for an extended transformation.
There are three main types of breast lifts, each based on a unique incision pattern. Below, we will go over each of these breast lift options, with an emphasis on the anchor breast lift.
Types of Breast Lift Surgery
Periareolar Breast Lift Surgery
Sometimes called a “donut breast lift”, this lift only gets rid of a small amount of excess skin and tissue on the breasts. The incision for this surgery goes around the outer edge of the areola for a well-hidden resulting scar.
A variation of this surgery is the crescent breast lift. The crescent lift only makes a half-circle incision around the edge of the areola, and even less excess skin and tissue are removed.
Lollipop Breast Lift Surgery
The lollipop lift requires an incision around the outer edge of the areola (as in the periareolar lift). But there is a vertical breast lift incision as well.
This incision runs vertically down the bottom half of the breast, from the lower edge of the areola to the breast crease (where the breast meets the chest). Unfortunately, it is hard to completely hide this scar after surgery. However, more skin, tissue, and fat can be removed with this technique.
Anchor Breast Lift Surgery
The anchor breast lift, as stated above, can remove the most skin, tissue, and fat. This lift technique requires an around-the-areola incision, a vertical “lollipop” incision, and a lateral incision that runs within the breast crease.
Fortunately, this third incision is well hidden within the skin fold beneath the breast. The areola incision is also well-hidden within the pigment change in this area. The vertical incision will be the most noticeable over time.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Anchor Breast Lift?
The best candidate for an anchor breast lift is someone who wants to improve their breast contour, lift their sagging breasts, and give their chest a more youthful appearance. Because this incision requires more incisions, it is generally for patients who have a lot of breast sagging.
Breast lift patients must also be in good health, physically, and have realistic expectations about breast enhancement surgery. Major health conditions should not be potential problems for surgery or recovery. Patients should be non-smokers. And finally, it’s important to be aware of all rare, but potential, risks prior to undergoing surgery.
Anchor Breast Lift Scars
One of the drawbacks to anchor breast lift surgery is admittedly the anchor scar breast lift surgery can leave you with. You will have anchor breast lift scars wherever incisions were made during your surgery.
Of course, there are ways to reduce the appearance of your scars. It all starts with following your surgeon’s directions during the recovery period. Proper care makes all the difference.
You might also try using scar massage (if this is acceptable to your surgeon) and silicone scar sheets. Other scar treatments are available once your incisions have healed as well.
For example, an anchor breast lift scar tattoo cover up can actually add pigment to the scar area that matches the surrounding skin. This highly effective tattoo technique blends the skin and scar for a more seamless, invisible scar appearance.
FAQ: Anchor Breast Lift Procedure
Is a lollipop or anchor better for breast lift surgery?
Is a lollipop or anchor better for breast lift surgery?One is not better than the other. Instead, a lollipop lift is good for some patients, and the anchor breast lift technique is good for other patients. Both can give patients lifted breasts and a more youthful breast contour.
As a general rule, the breast lift techniques that require more incisions will change the breast shape more and remove more breast tissue, skin, and fat. For more severe sagging and drooping, this is ideal.
Will I have sore nipples after breast lift surgery (anchor lift)?
Yes. Most likely, your nipples after breast lift surgery will be sore. This is because the nipples and areolae will be repositioned during the surgery.
Pain medication can be prescribed to help minimize your discomfort, with most patients not needing pain meds anymore after around one week.
How long does it take to recover from anchor breast lift?
After one to two weeks of anchor breast lift recovery, you should be able to resume work and many of your normal activities. But you will not be back to exercising yet. It will be four to six weeks before you can engage in heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities again.
Can you combine a breast lift with other breast surgeries?
Yes. Breast lift surgery is often combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation (breast implants) or breast reduction. In many cases, you can also add on additional procedures such as liposuction or other body contouring surgeries as well.
Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation with Dr. Rice
Whether you end up as an ideal candidate for an anchor incision pattern or another breast lift technique, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice and her experienced team can help.
At your initial consultation appointment, Dr. Rice will listen to your concerns and assess your current breasts and general anatomy to come up with a comprehensive surgical plan that is catered to you.
Ready to get started? Call our office today to set up your first consultation appointment.
