Posted: August 31, 2017
Some women have a minor amount of breast sagging, but do not need a conventional breast lift. In fact, they are not even good candidates for a conventional lift. Instead, a mini lift, which utilizes a donut-shaped incision, may be a better option. If you live in Scottsdale, Phoenix or the surrounding areas, please call the practice of Dr. John J. Corey, at 480-767-7700, to learn more.
Mini vs. Standard Breast Lift: What's the Difference?
The main differences are as follows:
- Incision location
- Incision length
- Amount of breast tissue removed
The donut lift elevates the position of the nipple. That is the primary outcome. In many procedures, it also reduces the size of the areola, but it depends on your goals. It may also remove minimally sagging breast tissue in the lower portion of the breasts.
The donut lift incision is a circle around the nipple. A full lift incision extends down the front of the breast, and sometimes horizontally along the bottom of the breast. In the donut lift, a second circular incision is made around the smaller circular incision, and the skin in between these incisions is removed to tighten mildly drooping breasts.
Candidates for the Donut Technique
Good candidates have very mild breast sagging and drooping nipples. They want to restore a firmer, perkier breast appearance. Here are some of the candidacy particulars:
- Minimal breast sagging
- Nipples that fall below the crease of the breasts
- Generally good overall health
- Realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve
The only way to know if you are a good candidate is to visit Dr. Corey for a one-on-one consultation. You and he will discuss what changes you would like to see and the best way of achieving them.
Deciding Whether to Incorporate Breast Implants
Breast implants are often combined with a donut mastopexy. In fact, some women who think they need a donut mastopexy actually end up choosing breast implants alone to achieve the firmer breasts they want. If you want larger breasts, in addition to breasts with an overall improved shape and position, Dr. Corey may recommend combining breast implants with your lift. Very minimal sagging can sometimes be lifted with implants alone.
Scarring Left By Breast Lift Surgery
All procedures leave scars, including the mini breast lift. The scar is generally well-concealed in its location around the areola, where there is a change in skin color and texture that helps to camouflage it.
As a skilled and experienced breast surgeon, Dr. Corey does everything he can to minimize the appearance of the scar, but your genetics and unique skin will have some amount of influence over the final appearance. Here are a few things you can do to soften the appearance of the scar:
- Don't smoke. Smoking and other tobacco use delays wound healing and can ultimately make your scar appear worse.
- Avoid UV exposure. Sun exposure as well as tanning beds can darken the final appearance of your scar. Keep it concealed until it is fully matured, about a year after the surgery. Even then, you should conceal it from UV, but be sure to use sunscreen when it is not concealed.
- Eat healthy foods. A healthy diet will help your skin heal after surgery.
- Ask Dr. Corey about other techniques. Hydration, massage techniques and silicone gel sheets are all options that can have a positive effect on the scar appearance. Ask Dr. Corey if they will work for you.
Dr. Corey wants you to love your results. He will make sure you know what to expect from your results and what things are not possible. Your results will be long-lasting, and Dr. Corey and our team want those results to enhance your self-confidence.
Breast Lift Pricing
The price of the procedure varies across the country, and from surgeon to surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says the average cost in 2016 was $4,636. At Dr. Corey's practice, the final cost depends on a number of factors, all of which will be discussed at your consultation. There is a cost difference between the full vs. mini procedure, and cost differences between implant-based vs. non-implant procedures. A surgeon's experience also influences cost, as well as the techniques and technology used.
Rest assured you will receive a complete cost estimate at the time of your consultation. You will be able to take this information and your candidacy information into consideration as you decide what to do next. For those who qualify, payment plans through Parasail are an option. These loans have a fixed interest rate and no monthly fees.
Longevity of Results
There is no predetermined amount of time a breast lift will last. The results achieved will be long-lasting, but they cannot be said to be permanent because natural processes will continue to affect your breast appearance:
- Aging
- Weight fluctuations
- Sun exposure
- Pregnancy
Some women choose to delay their breast lift until they no longer plan to have more children. Doing so eliminates the possibility that pregnancy changes will affect donut mastopexy results. Working to maintain a stable, healthy weight is also a good way to preserve your results, as is not smoking and wearing sunscreen when your chest is exposed to UV rays.
Breast Lift Statistics
Breast lift surgery continues to be a popular procedure in the US from year to year. In 2016, there were 101,261 breast lift procedures performed, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This number is up 2 percent from 2015, and 92 percent from the year 2000, when there were 52,836 procedures recorded.
The majority of these breast lift procedures are mostly conventional, full lifts. But it is possible it includes a group of mini lifts. Regardless, these statistics tell us that breast rejuvenation continues to be important to women across the US. Breast augmentation continues to be the number one cosmetic procedure, with over 290,000 performed in 2016. But lifts are not far behind.
Finding Out if You are a Good Candidate
Dr. Corey can help you decide if the donut technique is right for you. His Scottsdale plastic surgery practice serves people from across our region of Arizona, and from other places as well. Many of our guests visit us from Phoenix and Chandler, as well as all of the surrounding areas. To schedule your consultation, please contact us at 480-767-7700.