Breast
reduction surgery, also known as breast mammoplasty, is a procedure that is
used to reduce the amount of excess fat glandular tissue in the breast. The
surgery can make breasts more proportionate and attractive and can eliminate
most discomfort that is associated with large, saggy breasts. When choosing to
have breast reduction surgery, there are a few different options for the
incisions. The position of the incisions will determine the placement of
permanent scars after the healing process has concluded.
Inverted-T (Anchor) Incisions
The
Inverted-T, often called the “Anchor”, incision is one of the most popular
choices. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a total of 3 incisions.
There will be an incision around the perimeter of the areola, one that is
vertical from the areola to the crease of the breast, and one that runs along
the crease underneath the breast. This option allows the skin tissue to be
moved both vertically and/or horizontally. Although it produces longer scars,
Inverted-T incision will leave the candidate with a thin line underneath the
breast that is barely noticeable because of the position. Scarring around the
areola may not be noticeable due to its color. This incision gives the surgeon
more freedom to shape the breasts because excess breast tissue can be removed
from any area. The Inverted-T incision is ideal for candidates with excessive
sagging, a large amount of breast tissue to remove, or extreme asymmetry to
repair.
Vertical (Lollipop) Incisions
Candidates
that may only need a modest breast reduction and are concerned about scaring
often choose the vertical incision. Also known as the “Lollipop”, this option
is very popular and consists of only two incisions. There is an incision made
from the bottom of the areola down to the crease underneath the breast and
around the perimeter of the areola. The nickname “lollipop” is derived from the
incision’s resemblance of the candy. The vertical incision provides a longer
lasting result and shorter scars. This option is not always best for those who
have extremely large breasts and it does limit the amount of control the
surgeon has to shape the breasts. However, this incision does allow the surgeon
to remove the excess fat tissue and lift the breast to a better position. In some
cases, the shorter scars can cause the appearance of “bunching” at the bottom
portion of the breast. However, this can fade over time. The scarring from this
incision can easily be hidden under a bra.
Liposuction Incisions
Liposuction
is another breast reduction option that does not have as much scarring or down
time. With this procedure, the surgeon simply makes two small incisions in the
crease of the breast and the scar is hidden underneath. Opting for liposuction
can sometimes produce unfavorable results because the surgeon cannot determine
the amount of fat that can be removed from the breast until the time of the
surgery. Liposuction does not remove any glandular tissue and does not provide
a “lift”. The skin is expected to naturally shift upward. However, these
results cannot be determined until after the surgery is performed. This option
is ideal for those who want to minimize scarring from the incisions and have
minimal drooping prior to surgery.
Donut and No Vertical Scar
The
“Donut” or “Benelli” breast reduction is ideal for those who wish to reduce the
size of their breast but don’t have overly large breast to begin with. This
procedure will only require an incision around the areola. The scaring is
minimal and can be hidden due to the dark area around the areola. Women very
rarely have this procedure done because of the limitations caused by the lack
of incisions. It can also leave the shape of the breasts distorted because
there is little access to the breast tissue during surgery. There is also an
option to have no vertical incision at all. During this process, there is only
an incision made around the areola and along the crease of the breast. Without
a vertical incision, it’s difficult to shape the breast and it may produce an
unfavorable result.
Choosing
the right incision for breast reduction surgery can be a daunting task.
However, the choices can be narrowed down based on the desired results, breast
size and shape prior to surgery, and potential scarring after healing. It is
always important to discuss your options with a Board Certified Plastic
surgeon. Breast reduction surgery can be a life changing procedure and
determining the right incision placement will definitely provide you with
better long term results.
Plastic
Surgery Institute of Miami boasts one of the premiere clinical and surgical
facilities in South Florida. Each surgeon is board certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery and has thousands of hours performing cosmetic and
plastic surgery on patients around the globe. The center ensures that staff take good care of its patients
at the highest possible standards. You can contact their office by
visiting their website: https://www.psimiami.com.
