If you're interested in breast surgery but don't have significant drooping, you may be thinking about a mini breast lift. This option is not as common as others, but it can still be viable for some women.
Dr. John J. Corey, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has practiced since 1993, has helped countless women achieve natural, refined results. Trained in both the U.S. and Brazil, he is known for his focused expertise and ensures patients receive thoughtful care and beautiful, lasting outcomes.
What is a Mini Breast Lift?
There are many varieties of mini breast lift. They are all designed to give some amount of lift to the nipples and areola while at the same time minimizing the number of incisions made on the breast, avoiding the classic "anchor" scar that goes around the areola, down the middle of the breast, and then underneath in the lower crease.
Over his 30-plus-year career, Dr. John J. Corey has tried and used almost all of these methods and has definite thoughts and experiences as shared below. Certainly, other surgeons have different opinions and approaches to mini breast lifts, so please keep in mind that Dr. Corey's views are just one of many. Furthermore, there are many other "mini" techniques than just those listed here.
Mini Breast Lift Options
Mini breast lift candidates typically have cases of mild breast sagging (ptosis) or more of a bottom fullness to the breast. Technically, these can be referred to as Grade 1 ptosis of the breast, where the nipple and some breast tissue drop to the level of that crease underneath the breast where your underwire bra would rest, or pseudoptosis, where the nipple is above the underneath crease. Still, some breast tissue does hang below the crease, giving a kind of "up-tilted" breast.
The following are some of the most common "mini" techniques.
Crescent Lift
During a crescent lift, one half-moon incision is made at the top of the areola, and another half-moon incision is made above that. A crescent wedge of skin is then removed to raise the nipple slightly.
In Dr. Corey's experience, this method seems to stretch the areola out more than actually raise the nipple. Most patients reported no change in the nipple position at all.
Peri-areola or "Donut" lift
During a perio-areola or donut lift, a 360-degree incision is made around the areola. Then, another oval incision is made outside of that first one, and the skin in between is removed. The outside circle is then gathered into the inside circle with a purse string suture, oftentimes made of a non-absorbable material like Gore-Tex.
Dr. Corey did use this technique for decades but has since abandoned it. He has found too many stretched-out scars due to the circular forces, and occasionally, a problem with the suture breaking or becoming infected. Around 30% of donut lift patients required some type of scar revision afterward.
Vertical, Lejour, "Keyhole" or "Lollipop" Lift
With this surgery, a 360-degree incision is made around the areola, followed by two divergent incisions going from the areola down the middle of the breast towards the crease. The tissue in between the two downward incisions is then removed, and the two vertical incisions are closed together, giving a circular incision around the areola and one straight down the middle of the breast, like a "lollipop." No incision is made horizontally in the crease underneath the breast.
The limitation Dr. Corey has found with this variation is that, in most cases, the patient had droopy tissue along the entire bottom of the breast, and just removing the mid-portion left bulging tissue on either side of the lollipop stem. He has found that very few patients were actually good candidates for this technique.
Mini Breast Lift Considerations
The techniques described above are all well-known and recognized, and their use by surgeons should not be considered wrong or outside of the standard of care. For patients in this "slightly droopy" category, the options can be very overwhelming and frustrating.
In many cases, just an implant may help fill out the breast, but it's important to remember that implants do not raise the nipple and areola. They push out the tissue, and when properly placed, can give the appearance that the nipple is now more centered on the breast, but the actual location is not raised in relation to the chest.
Over the years, Dr. Corey has seen much better and longer-lasting results with the full anchor lift – and very minimal scarring as well. In other cases, he may recommend avoiding surgery altogether if the patient is not ready for traditional scarring. A mini breast lift is very much a "gray area" operation with its own list of pros and cons.
Why Choose Dr. Corey?
Since 1993, Dr. John J. Corey has brought a rare blend of precision and artistry to mini breast lifts and broader breast procedures.
A board‑certified plastic surgeon and active member of leading professional societies, he fuses traditional U.S. techniques with aesthetic sensibilities learned during intensive training in Brazil. This approach results in methods built on solid support rather than reliance on weaker tissue.
Patients in Arizona and from across the globe benefit from his focused below‑the‑neck specialization, welcoming Scottsdale facility, and a philosophy that prioritizes personalized care delivered at a thoughtful pace.
Read what our patients are saying!
"Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. You made me feel so comfortable by listening to my concerns. I am very happy with the results and highly recommend Dr. Corey. Dr Corey and his staff are very knowledgeable, friendly, caring professional and patient."
FAQs
Can a Mini Breast Lift Be Combined With Breast Implants?
Yes, a mini breast lift can be performed alongside breast augmentation, particularly if the main goal is to restore fullness as well as achieve a modest lift. That said, Dr. Corey often finds that implants alone may create the appearance of a lifted breast, or that a full lift delivers more reliable, long-term results. The right option depends on your anatomy and goals.
Are the Scars From a Mini Breast Lift Permanent, and How Noticeable Are They Over Time?
All surgical incisions leave scars, including those from a mini breast lift. While these scars are permanent, they typically fade and become less noticeable with proper healing.
In some cases, Dr. Corey has seen mini-lift scars stretch or widen over time, depending on the technique used. He has found that the scars from a traditional lift heal more predictably and yield results that patients are happier with in the long term.
Is Breastfeeding Possible After Having a Mini Breast Lift?
Breastfeeding generally remains possible after a mini breast lift because the nipple and milk ducts are not significantly altered. However, every patient's anatomy and surgical history differ.
Dr. Corey notes that outcomes are never guaranteed, and if future breastfeeding is a top priority, discussing this in consultation is important. Sometimes, he may recommend postponing surgery until after childbearing for more consistent and lasting results.
How Soon After Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Can I Have a Mini Breast Lift?
It's best to wait several months after pregnancy and the end of breastfeeding before considering any breast surgery, including a mini lift. This allows your breasts to stabilize in size and shape.
Dr. Corey often recommends a full lift rather than a mini one after pregnancy, since the changes from childbearing are usually more pronounced. An in-person consultation helps determine when your body is ready and which approach is most beneficial.
Can Weight Fluctuations Affect Mini Breast Lift Results?
Yes, weight gain or loss can change the size and position of the breasts after a mini lift. Because this procedure is designed for mild sagging, results may be less stable over time compared with a traditional lift, especially if weight changes occur. For patients planning major weight loss, waiting until a stable weight is achieved may help ensure longer-lasting, more satisfying surgical results.
Schedule a Mini Breast Lift Consultation
If you're in the Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, or Gilbert areas, your breast lift consultation is just a short drive away. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Corey discusses breast lifts and your goals for the procedure so he can make a personalized recommendation for you. Call our office at (480) 767-7700 to book your consultation.