Breast Lift Options

A breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is a procedure that surgically reshapes the breasts, tightens loose skin, and lifts the breasts into a more youthful position. Dr. Parker uses different incision techniques for breast lift surgery in Paramus, NJ, depending on the amount of excess skin needing to be removed to achieve the desired result. He takes care to use the most scar-minimizing technique possible to create an aesthetically pleasing breast shape for patients from Ridgewood and throughout Bergen County, North New Jersey, and surrounding areas.

To know which of the following breast lift options might be recommended for you, it can be helpful first to determine your degree of breast ptosis.

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Crescent Mastopexy

Crescent mastopexy incision pattern

Patients with minimal Grade 2 ptosis, or sagging, are candidates for this procedure. Dr. Parker will remove a small amount of skin from just above the areola elevating the nipple ~1 cm. A breast implant can be inserted through this incision. The incision is closed with several layers of dissolvable sutures along the upper border of the areola so that the resultant scar is usually very inconspicuous.


Peri-Areolar Mastopexy

Periareolar mastopexy incision pattern

Patients with moderate Grade 2 ptosis, or sagging, are candidates for this procedure. Dr. Parker will remove an asymmetric ellipse of skin from around the areola. More skin is removed from above the areola to elevate it higher on the breast. This will elevate the nipple ~1-2 cm. A breast implant can be inserted through this incision. The incision is closed with several layers of dissolvable sutures along the outer border of the areola so that the resultant scar is usually inconspicuous. By filling the sagging breast skin envelope with an implant, removing excess skin, and raising the nipple-areolar complex, a dramatic improvement can be achieved.


Vertical Mastopexy

Vertical mastopexy incision pattern

Patients with more severe Grade 2 or moderate Grade 3 ptosis are candidates for this procedure. Dr. Parker will remove a V shaped piece of skin and breast tissue from beneath the areola as well as around the areola. Several layers of dissolvable sutures are used to close these incisions. In doing so, the nipple-areolar complex is elevated on the breast and supported by the sutures used to close the incision beneath it. The resultant incision usually heals well and has the shape of a lollipop, giving rise to the name “lollipop lift.”

If the goal is to reduce breast size as well, Dr. Parker will remove excess breast tissue to achieve the desired size of the breast after surgery. Some patients, instead of removing breast tissue, request an implant be added to the breast to restore the fullness they once had in the upper portion of the breast. The size of the implant is discussed at length before surgery and clarified in a Sizing and Shaping Session.


Inverted T Mastopexy

Inverted T breast lift incision pattern

Patients with more severe Grade 3 ptosis, or sagging, are candidates for this procedure. This used to be the standard incision for mastopexy surgery until the advent of the crescent, peri-areolar and vertical mastopexies several years ago. In this procedure, Dr. Parker will remove excess skin and breast tissue through an anchor-type incision.

Also a common technique used in breast reduction, Dr. Parker will will determine how much breast tissue to remove based on your desired outcome. Closure of the incisions with several layers of dissolvable sutures will leave scars which usually heal satisfactorily. The nipple-areolar complex is elevated on the breast , the skin is tightened and the shape of the breast improved. This procedure is used most commonly by Dr. Parker today in patients with a significant amount of skin excess. Occasionally, an implant can be inserted to restore fullness to the upper portion of the breast, usually is patients who have lost a large amount of weight.

If you’re still wondering which incision option might be best for you, check out our blog post “What Type of New Breast Lift is Right for You?” to compare yourself with photos of real patients.

Dr. Paul Parker

Paul M. Parker, M.D., FACS

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Known for his surgical talent and caring personality, Dr. Parker has been serving the community for over 35 years. He has dedicated his practice to the education, safety, and comfort of his patients—making each one feel as important as family.

The Aesthetic Society; American Society of Plastic Surgeons; International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; The Rhinoplasty Society
The Aesthetic Society; American Society of Plastic Surgeons; International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; The Rhinoplasty Society