A vertical mammoplasty is the best way, in my opinion, to lift and/or reduce a breast with less scar(s) while achieving a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.  This style of procedure was and has been championed by female breast surgeons for these very reasons.  The traditional techniques usually left a large "boat anchor" scar on each breast while this newer procedure leaves, in the majority of cases, a "lolipop" scar.  This translates to approximately 9-12 inches of incisional scar left off of each breast when utilizing the vertical mammoplasty technique.  In my practice at the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery facility, I have used this type of procedure almost exclusively for the past several years and have found the long term results and patient satisfaction much improved.  The trade-offs are that the breasts may look distorted early on while the swelling subsides and the incisons heal.  This usually lasts several days to a few weeks.  However, patients are willing to accept this inconvenience in order to limit their length of scar(s) and obtain a more natural appearance. 

When this surgery is performed, two things are accomplished.  The first is that loose breast skin is removed.  The second and most important step is that the internal breast tissue is "remodeled" into a better shape.  This allows the breasts to take on a much more youthful appearance with a tighter skin envelope.  Whether the patient is looking for a smaller breast or a less saggy one, the results produced are better in mine and my patient's opinion.

The elevated and remodeled breasts, following this procedure, can be augmented at a later date.  The reason that the two procedures are not performed at the same time has to do with the amount of skin removed.  If you place an implant within the breast at the same time as the lift is performed, less skin is removed and this will ultimately compromise the overall results. 

If reduction is the goal, this procedure produces a more conical and youthful breast post-operatively than the more traditional techniques  With the "boat anchor" scar technique, the breasts can look more elevated and smaller at one year post-operatively but can also look flattened and "bottomed out".  Again, this is another reason why this vertical style of reduction is much more appreciated today because of the more coned shaped and youthful breast achieved following this newer technique.

If you or someone you know may benefit from this information about this newer style of breast surgery, please call or e-mail us at your convenience.