I wrote some blogs on breast surgery a few weeks ago and then took a break to focus on summer sun precautions.   Now I want to finish the breast series with this blog on scarring and incisions.  Scarring is always a concern when choosing a cosmetic surgery. We want to be able to focus on the beautiful results of the surgery, not the incision scars it may leave behind. Fortunately, with a Breast Lift, there are a variety of incisions, some more inconspicuous than others. However, different techniques may be required based on how much sagging you want corrected. The incision I recommend will be based on your personal goals, existing breast tissue, and the amount of excess skin to be removed. Here is an explanation of each of the possibilities.

Minimal Sagging: Crescent Incision
This incision is very small and traces around the upper half edge of the areola. While this is minimal scarring sounds ideal, it can take away only a minimum amount of skin. This makes it only an option for patients who have very little sagging to correct. For this reason, it is the least frequent incision technique and is usually only done in combination with a breast augmentation.
Mild Sagging: Peri Areolar or “Donut” Incision
The Peri Areolar incision is a circular incision tracing around the outer edge of the areola. This technique can also be used to reduce the size of the areola if that is desired. Like the Crescent incision, this “Donut” incision is commonly performed along with a Breast Augmentation and can address mild sagging.

Moderate Sagging: Vertical or “Lollipop” Incision
Two incisions are required for this technique, as it can accomplish more extensive reshaping of sagging breasts. They form the pattern of a lollipop, hence the nickname. The first incision is around the outer edge of the areola and the second runs down vertically from the bottom center of the areola to the underlying crease where the breast meets the torso, called the inframammary fold. This is a very common incision technique since it allows for the removal of a moderate amount of excess skin and reshaping of the entire breast. Fortunately, these scars are easily hidden in bras and bikini tops.

Extensive Sagging: Inverted T or “Anchor” Incision
Dramatic results for reshaping the breasts are available with the Inverted T incision. Getting its nickname as the “Anchor” lift because of the incision pattern, this technique involves 3 scars. One is around the outer edge of the areola, then another is down vertically from the bottom outer edge of the areola to the breast crease, and the last one is hidden in the horizontal crease of the inframammary fold. This technique allows for the removal of a significant amount of excess skin and sagging tissue. It is also used when the Breast Lift is combined with a Breast Reduction. This gives beautiful correction for reshaping pendulous breasts, which is when the nipple is below the edge of the crease of the inframammary fold and it is pointing downward.

In my expert hands, these incisions will be as minimal as possible, and over time, with your proper care these scars will fade. Regardless of which incision technique is required, your scars will be concealed and far from your mind when you see how lovely your lifted breasts look in your clothes and bathing suit. Contact me for a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Give Your “Ladies” a Lift

Sometimes your ‘ladies” start to migrate a little south, whether its from age, gravity, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or another reason. As the skin stretches, volume diminishes and nipples start pointing to the floor, many women become dissatisfied with the aesthetic appeal of their breasts. Fortunately a Breast Lift is a permanent solution to elevating and rejuvenating the breasts. Often in combination with a Breast Augmentation or fat injections to help fill the volume loss, a perkier and more youthful chest can be achieved.

What does a Breast Lift Involve?
A Breast Lift reduces excess skin, tightens muscles and lifts the breast position and shape. In combination with a Breast Augmentation or fat injections, the volume and fullness can be restored too. All of this is done in proportion to your unique anatomy and desires. Since breast sagging, or ptosis, is evident as the nipples decline to a downward pointing position, the lift will specifically correct the breast, nipple and areola to a higher position.

Incision patterns for a Breast Lift:
Around the areola
Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop)
Horizontally at the breast crease

The best incision technique for each unique situation will be based upon these factors:
…Breast size and shape
…Size and position of your nipple and areola
…Degree of breast sagging (ptosis)
…Elasticity of the skin
…Amount of excess skin

Surgery and Recovery Expectations
Discomfort during this outpatient surgery is minimized using a local anesthetic with either sedation or general anesthesia. It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, soreness and mild discomfort that normally resolves over a few days… or longer if a Breast Augmentation is performed as well. Oral pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort you may experience. The new position and shape will be noticeable immediately, although just as with a Breast Augmentation, it takes a few months for the new breasts to completely settle.
Let’s talk about how a Breast Lift can help you experience a more youthful shape and position of your breasts. Schedule a consultation today, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon