Do you look in the mirror and wish your breasts were perkier and more youthful? You’re not alone. In fact, breast lifts have become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, with over 100,000 performed each year.
But if you’ve started researching, you’ve probably heard confusing names like “lollipop lift” or “anchor lift.” It can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry. Think of a breast lift not as one single surgery, but as a set of tools. A skilled plastic surgeon chooses the right tool—the right technique—based on your body. The main difference between them? How much lifting you need and where the scars will be.
This guide will walk you through the four main techniques in simple terms, so you can feel confident and informed for your consultation.
First, How Much “Lift” Do You Need?
Before we look at the techniques, let’s understand the grades of sagging (which doctors call “ptosis”). This is the most important factor in choosing a method.
Mild Sagging: Your nipple is at the level of your breast fold, but the breast tissue has started to droop.
Moderate Sagging: Your nipple sits below the breast fold.
Severe Sagging: Your nipple points downward, well below the breast fold.
Now, let’s match the technique to the need.
The 4 Main Breast Lift Techniques, Simplified
1. The Crescent Lift: The Tiny Tuck
Best for: The smallest amount of sagging, often used with a breast augmentation for a tiny adjustment.
What happens: A small, crescent-shaped piece of skin is removed from the top of the areola. The nipple is lifted just a little.
The Scar: A small scar on the top half of the areola that blends in very well.
The Bottom Line: A minimal procedure for a minimal fix.
2. The Donut Lift: The All-Around Tightener
Best for: Mild to moderate sagging.
What happens: A circular incision is made around the entire areola. A doughnut-shaped piece of skin is removed, and the skin is tightened, lifting the breast and often reducing the size of the areola.
The Scar: A circular scar around the areola. This can heal very nicely, but if a lot of lifting is done, the scar might get a little wavy.
The Bottom Line: A good balance of lift with scars contained only around the areola.
3. The Lollipop Lift: The Most Popular Reshaper
Best for: Moderate to significant sagging. This is one of the most common techniques because it creates a very nice, round shape.
What happens: The surgeon makes two incisions: one around the areola and one straight down from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. This allows them to remove more skin and reshape the breast tissue itself.
The Scar: The “lollipop” scar (a circle with a line down). You trade a more visible scar pattern for a dramatically better breast shape.
The Bottom Line: The go-to choice for a major lift and improved contour.
4. The Anchor Lift: The Maximum Solution
Best for: The most severe sagging, often after major weight loss.
What happens: This is the most extensive option. It includes the lollipop incisions plus a third incision hidden in the natural fold under the breast. This allows for the maximum amount of sagging skin to be removed.
The Scar: An “anchor”-shaped scar (a circle, a vertical line, and a line along the breast fold). While it’s the most scarring, it’s the only way to correct the most significant cases.
The Bottom Line: Necessary for the most dramatic transformations, where the improvement in shape far outweighs the scar.
Making Your Choice: It’s a Partnership
So, how do you know which one is right for you? You don’t have to figure it out alone. The choice is a partnership between you and your surgeon. During your consultation, they will examine your breasts and discuss your goals, focusing on:
How much your breasts have sagged.
The quality of your skin.
Your desired breast size and shape.
Your personal feelings about scars.
Your job is to share your vision. Our job is to recommend the safest and most effective technique to get you there.
Questions We Hear All the Time
Can I get implants with my lift?
Yes! A breast lift with implants is a very common combo surgery. It’s perfect for women who want to restore lost volume and lift sagging tissue. We can discuss which lift technique pairs best with implants for your body.
How long will my results last?
A breast lift is permanent, but your breasts will continue to age. Gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy can all affect your results over time. Most women enjoy their new contour for many, many years, especially with a stable weight.
Your Next Step: A Personal Conversation
Remember, the “best” breast lift is the one that’s best for you. This guide is a starting point to prepare you for a more confident conversation.
Ready to have that conversation? The team at Renaissance Plastic Surgery is here to listen to your goals, answer your questions, and help you plan your journey to a more confident you.
Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation. Let’s explore the possibilities together.
