What Types of Breast Lift Incisions Are There (Donut, Lollipop, Anchor)—and How Do Scars Differ?

A breast lift (mastopexy) is designed to restore shape, position, and firmness by lifting sagging tissue and reshaping the breast. One of the most common questions we hear at Beautologie is: “What will my scars look like?” The answer depends largely on the incision pattern your surgeon chooses—because each pattern offers a different balance between lifting power and scar length.

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This guide explains the three primary breast lift incision types—donut (periareolar), lollipop (vertical), and anchor (inverted-T)—using clear language, visual analogies, and evidence-based best practices. You’ll learn who each option is best for, how scars typically heal, and how our board-certified surgeons tailor techniques to your anatomy and goals.

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Important note: This article is educational and cannot replace a personalized consultation. Candidacy, incision choice, and results vary by individual.

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Understanding Breast Lift Incisions (and Why There’s No “One-Size-Fits-All”)

Every mastopexy requires skin removal and reshaping. The incision pattern determines:

• How much lift can be achieved
  
• Where scars will lie
  
• How the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is repositioned
  
• How long scars may be and how well they can be concealed
  

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Think of each pattern like tailoring a dress: a simple hem adjustment (donut) works for mild sagging, while a full redesign (anchor) is needed for more dramatic changes. The goal is always maximum aesthetic improvement with the least visible scarring.

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The Three Main Breast Lift Incision Types

1) Donut (Periareolar) Incision

Best for: Mild sagging (Grade I ptosis), minor areola resizing, subtle lift

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What it is:
A circular incision around the outer edge of the areola—hence the “donut.”

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What it can do:

• Gently lift the nipple
  
• Tighten a small amount of surrounding skin
  
• Reduce areola diameter if needed
  

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Scars—what to expect:

• Location: Hidden at the natural color change between areola and breast skin
  
• Visibility: Often the least noticeable of all options
  
• Trade-off: Limited lifting power; not ideal for moderate to severe sagging
  

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Analogy: Like adjusting the collar of a blouse—refined, subtle, and best for small changes.

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Who is a good candidate?
Patients with minimal droop, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations about lift. Often chosen for areola reduction or when combined with breast augmentation for a modest lift effect.

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2) Lollipop (Vertical) Incision

Best for: Mild to moderate sagging (Grade I–II ptosis), reshaping with moderate lift

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What it is:
A circle around the areola plus a vertical line down to the breast crease—forming a “lollipop.”

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What it can do:

• Reposition the nipple more significantly
  
• Improve projection and contour
  
• Remove excess skin along the lower breast
  

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Scars—what to expect:

• Location: Around the areola and a single vertical line to the fold
  
• Visibility: The vertical scar fades well in most patients; typically concealed by bras and swimwear
  
• Trade-off: Slightly more scarring than donut, but with much greater lifting capability
  

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Analogy: Tailoring a dress with a central seam—more structural change with minimal added visibility.

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Who is a good candidate?
Patients with noticeable droop who want reshaping without the longer horizontal scar of an anchor lift. This is one of the most popular modern mastopexy techniques.

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3) Anchor (Inverted-T) Incision

Best for: Moderate to severe sagging (Grade II–III ptosis), significant skin excess, post-weight loss, post-pregnancy changes

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What it is:
A circle around the areola, a vertical line to the breast crease, plus a horizontal line along the crease—forming an anchor or inverted “T.”

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What it can do:

• Achieve the greatest lift and reshaping
  
• Remove substantial excess skin
  
• Correct asymmetry and significant ptosis
  

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Scars—what to expect:

• Location: Around the areola, down the breast, and along the natural fold
  
• Visibility: Most extensive, but strategically placed to be hidden in the inframammary crease
  
• Trade-off: Longer scars in exchange for the most dramatic, long-lasting contour improvement
  

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Analogy: A full renovation—more work lines, but the most transformative result.

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Who is a good candidate?
Patients after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or major weight loss, or anyone with significant droop who prioritizes shape and position over minimal scarring.

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How Do Breast Lift Scars Actually Heal?

What influences scar quality

• Incision pattern & length
  
• Surgical technique and closure
  
• Genetics and skin type
  
• Post-op care (sun protection, silicone therapy, smoking avoidance)
  

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Typical scar timeline

• 0–3 months: Pink or red, slightly firm
  
• 3–12 months: Gradual fading, softening
  
• 12–24 months: Mature scars—often thin, pale, and much less noticeable
  

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At Beautologie, we use meticulous layered closure, tension-minimizing techniques, and evidence-based scar protocols to optimize healing. While no surgery is scar-free, most patients report their scars are a worthwhile trade-off for restored shape and confidence.

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Choosing the Right Incision: What Surgeons Consider

Your surgeon will evaluate:

• Degree of sagging (ptosis)
  
• Skin quality and elasticity
  
• Breast size, shape, and asymmetry
  
• Nipple position
  
• Your goals (subtle vs. dramatic)
  
• Whether you’re combining procedures (e.g., lift with implants or a Mommy Makeover)
  

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Key principle: We aim for the shortest incision that safely achieves your desired result—never more, never less.

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Can a Breast Lift Be Combined With Implants?

Yes. A breast lift with augmentation can restore both position and volume in one operation. In these cases:

• A lollipop or anchor incision is often required for proper reshaping
  
• Implants restore fullness; the lift repositions tissue and the nipple
  
• Scar patterns follow the lift type selected
  

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Complications & Safety 

Breast lift surgery is well-established and generally safe when performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited facilities. As with any surgery, potential risks include:

• Delayed wound healing (more common with smoking or diabetes)
  
• Widened or thickened scars (rare; treatable)
  
• Temporary changes in nipple sensation
  
• Asymmetry or need for minor revision
  

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We reduce risks through careful patient selection, precise technique, and thorough aftercare. A personalized consultation is essential to discuss your health history and expectations.

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Key Takeaways

• Donut incisions hide scars around the areola but offer limited lift.
  
• Lollipop incisions provide excellent reshaping with moderate scarring.
  
• Anchor incisions deliver the most dramatic lift with longer, strategically hidden scars.
  
• Scar appearance depends on technique, genetics, and aftercare.
  
• The best incision is the one that safely achieves your goals with the least visible scarring.
  

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FAQ 

1) Which breast lift incision leaves the least visible scars?
The donut (periareolar) typically leaves the least visible scars but is only suitable for mild sagging.

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2) Will my breast lift scars fade over time?
Yes. Most scars fade significantly over 12–24 months, especially with proper aftercare.

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3) Can I choose my incision type?
Your surgeon will recommend the safest, most effective option based on your anatomy and goals. Patient preference is considered.

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4) Is a lollipop lift better than an anchor lift?
Neither is “better.” Lollipop suits moderate sagging; anchor is best for more significant droop or excess skin.

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5) Do darker skin tones scar more?
Some skin types have a higher risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, but careful technique and post-op care reduce this risk.

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6) Can laser or microneedling improve scars later?
Yes. Treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, and medical-grade silicone can further refine scars once healed.

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7) Will I lose nipple sensation?
Temporary changes are possible; permanent loss is uncommon when surgery is performed correctly.

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8) Can I combine a breast lift with other procedures?
Yes—commonly with breast augmentation or as part of a Mommy Makeover.

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9) How long before I can go back to work?
Many patients return to desk work in 7–10 days, depending on the extent of surgery.

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10) Is a revision ever needed?
Occasionally, for fine-tuning symmetry or scar refinement. Your surgeon will discuss this during follow-up.

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Why Choose a Local Surgeon at Beautologie

At Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery, Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we proudly serve patients from Bakersfield, Stockton, and surrounding California communities. Our award-winning, board-certified surgeons combine advanced mastopexy techniques with personalized care to help patients across the Central Valley achieve natural-looking results close to home.

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Ready to Schedule a Free Consultation?

Schedule a complimentary consultation with our award-winning surgeons at Beautologie.‍

Discover which breast lift incision—donut, lollipop, or anchor—is right for your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. With board-certified expertise, thousands of successful procedures, and a patient-first approach, we’re here to guide you with honesty, compassion, and exceptional results.