Breast reduction incision types

Sydney breast reduction

Women who have very large breasts often suffer from symptoms like neck, back, and shoulder pain. In order to address these problems, some women choose to have a surgical breast reduction. This is a procedure to remove excess skin, fat, and glandular tissues, creating a breast size that is more in proportion to the woman’s overall frame.

Any surgical procedure will leave scars, and Dr. Sandercoe’s patients often wonder what their scars will be like after this procedure. For a breast reduction, there are two main incision types that are generally used. One is often known as the “lollipop” incision, while the other is often called the “inverted anchor” incision. There are other options, but they are only suitable for a small proportion of breasts.

It is almost impossible to perform a good breast reduction without lifting the nipple areolar complex into a higher & more youthful position. The vertical scar from both the inverted anchor and lollipop incisions help support the nipple in its new position.

Inverted anchor incision

The inverted anchor incision is the most common approach as it allows the greatest breast & skin removal and breast reshaping. The scars from the inverted anchor incision will be around the areola, a vertical line downward to the breast crease, and a horizontal line along the breast crease. After surgery, the areola will be smaller than it was before. Patients who have a lot of stretch marks and/or skin laxity generally need this incision type to remove excess sagging skin.

It is Dr. Sandercoe’s experience that the vertical and horizontal scars settle & fade out much faster than the peri-areolar incision.

In some breasts, the medial (inner) part of the horizontal breast scar can be avoided, and this results in a J or L shaped scar. The decision to use this scar pattern is purely based on the geometry / engineering of your breast and will be discussed by Dr. Sandercoe at your consultation.

Lollipop incision

The lollipop incision is less common as it relies on the (already stretched out) breast skin to retract along the lower border of the new breast. Unlike with the inverted anchor incision, this type does not use an incision along the inframammary crease but creates a fold of skin that needs to settle into its new position.

The scars from the lollipop incision are around the areola and a vertical line downward along the breast. The areola will be smaller than it was before the surgery. This incision type allows for somewhat less access to the breast tissue than the inverted anchor incision, and allows for less removal of excess skin as well as other tissues.

This incision type works well for some patients, but there are some who need the extra incision along the inframammary crease to create a good result. This can be adjusted under local anaesthetic (sometimes they need a general anaesthetic) after 3-6 months of healing if required.

Sydney breast reduction

When you come for your consultation appointment, Dr. Sandercoe will discuss with you which incision type he believes is best in your case. This is based on your current situation as well as your goals for your body. There will not be any surprises on your surgery day; you’ll know ahead of time exactly where your incision lines will be when you wake up from surgery.

Although patients sometimes want to leave the smallest possible scar, the truth is that if the incisions are well-cared for, the scars will be very discreet after healing. The goal of the surgery is to safely remove the right amount of tissue and sculpt the remaining tissue to create a balanced and pleasing breast shape. The overall outcome will be best if the right incision type is selected to allow the surgeon to do this. A short scar and poor breast shape are a lesser outcome than a good breast shape with a well faded scar that is as long as needed to make that good breast shape.

If you’re considering breast reduction, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandercoe. Our patients come from the greater Sydney area and even from farther afield, for the chance to work with a very experienced and highly regarded plastic surgeon. Dr. Sandercoe believes strongly in honest and direct communication, so a consultation with him is a chance for you to learn the full truth about what results you could likely expect from a breast reduction. To book your appointment, you can email (contact form below) or call us on 130011258 during business hours.