When it comes to breast surgery, understanding the different types of breast lifts is crucial for achieving the best possible results. Whether you have existing implants or are considering a lift for sagging breasts, knowing your options can help you make an informed decision that matches your aesthetic goals.
Drawing from years of experience and real patient consultations, I’ll share insights on how these lifts differ, what each involves, and the impact they have on breast shape and size. Whether you want a smaller, rounder, perkier breast or are addressing issues with prior implants, this guide will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Understanding the Patient’s Concerns: Flatness and Shape After Implants
Common Complaints from Patients with Older Implants
Let’s start with a common scenario I recently encountered. A patient who had breast implants placed over ten years ago came in unhappy with the shape and size of her breasts. She felt her breasts were too flat and lacked the perkiness she desired.
Why Implants Alone May Not Be Enough
On examination, the breast shape showed that despite the implants, the breasts appeared flat from the front and in profile. Additionally, the nipple and areola had shifted downward. This combination of implant position and breast tissue shape contributed to her dissatisfaction.
Types of Breast Lifts: Concentric Mastopexy vs. Vertical Mastopexy
What Is a Concentric Mastopexy?
The concentric mastopexy, or “donut lift,” involves an incision made around the areola and is best for mild sagging. While it offers minimal scarring, it may not significantly improve overall breast shape in patients with flat tissue or prior implants.
What Is a Vertical Mastopexy?
The vertical mastopexy includes a longer vertical incision that allows more reshaping of breast tissue. It lifts and cones the breast, creating a rounder, perkier, and more youthful silhouette—especially effective in patients with implants or moderate sagging.
When to Choose Each Type of Lift
Factors to Consider
- Degree of Sagging: Mild = Concentric; Moderate = Vertical
- Nipple Position: Slightly low = Concentric; Lower = Vertical
- Breast Shape Goals: Rounder, perkier = Vertical
- Existing Implants: Vertical is usually better for reshaping around implants
How Each Breast Lift Affects Shape
- Concentric Mastopexy: Horizontal tightening, subtle lift, may widen or flatten the breast.
- Vertical Mastopexy: Vertical closure lifts and reshapes the breast conically for better projection and shape.
Additional Considerations: Scarring and Recovery
- Scarring: Concentric = scar around the areola only; Vertical = additional vertical scar.
- Recovery: Similar for both—several weeks of downtime and garment support required.
- Results vs. Scars: Choose the technique that delivers the best long-term shape, not just the shortest scar.
Ogee Recovery Scar System for Optimal Healing
To support optimal healing and minimize the appearance of scars after breast lift surgery, many patients turn to the Ogee Recovery Scar System. This medical-grade system includes both a scar gel and specially designed silicone strips—including an anchor-shaped strip and an under-breast strip—to target the most common incision patterns used in breast lifts. The combination of silicone therapy and nourishing gel helps reduce redness, flatten raised scars, and support skin regeneration, offering a smoother and more discreet post-op result.
What If You Already Have Implants?
For patients with breast implants who are unhappy with sagging or shape, a vertical mastopexy often delivers the best reshaping results. It tightens the tissue around the implant, creating a more defined and lifted look.
Final Thoughts: A Personalized Approach for Best Results
Breast lift surgery is not one-size-fits-all. While the concentric mastopexy may work for some, the vertical mastopexy typically offers superior contouring and projection—especially for patients with prior implants or flatter tissue.
The best approach is one that fits your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Partnering with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you understand what will work best for your body.
Call to Action: Get a Complimentary Evaluation
Thinking about a breast lift or have implants that no longer give you the shape you want?
👉 Schedule a complimentary virtual evaluation with Dr. William today to find out which breast lift technique is right for you.
Want to learn more about the different types of breast lifts? Watch this video:
