Differing Breast Lift Incisions and Techniques

A breast lift can be a life‑changing surgery for women who have experienced breast sagging due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or natural changes in tissue elasticity. At the heart of every successful breast lift is a thoughtful choice of incision and technique tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Choosing the right incision pattern is essential to achieving the best possible shape and lift while minimizing visible scarring. In this guide, we’ll explain the most commonly used breast lift incisions and how they help restore a more youthful, elevated breast contour.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, reshapes and lifts sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The procedure repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful location and restores firmness and contour to the breasts.

An essential part of planning a breast lift is selecting the incision that will best address the degree of sagging, the amount of excess skin, and the patient’s desired outcome. Incision choice influences scar location and visibility, and how much reshaping and lifting can be achieved.

Common Breast Lift Incision Techniques

Below are the primary incision options used in modern breast lift surgery. During your private consultation, Dr. Firouz will help you understand which technique aligns best with your goals.

Crescent Incision

The crescent incision is made along the upper portion of the areola. It is often used for women with very mild sagging who may be combining a lift with breast augmentation. Because this incision is small, scarring is minimal and typically well hidden on the breast.

Donut Incision

Also called a periareolar or “donut” incision, this cut encircles the entire areola. It is most appropriate for patients with mild to moderate sagging who primarily need repositioning of the nipple and areola, along with slight reshaping. This technique tends to result in less noticeable scarring since the incision follows the natural color change between the areola and surrounding skin.

Keyhole Incision

The vertical incision runs around the areola and down to the breast crease. This option provides greater lift and shaping than periareolar approaches while still limiting scarring. It is a versatile choice for women with moderate sagging who want a noticeable improvement in shape and contour.

Anchor Incision

Used when a higher degree of lift and skin removal is needed, the anchor incision involves three segments: around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and along the breast crease. This technique allows the greatest degree of reshaping and is often chosen for patients with more advanced sagging or when combining a breast reduction. Although it results in more extensive scarring, careful planning and closure techniques help ensure scars heal as discreetly as possible.

How Dr. Firouz Chooses the Right Incision

Selecting the optimal incision pattern is not solely based on tradition or preference. It requires a meticulous evaluation of breast size, shape, degree of sagging, skin quality, and individual goals. Dr. Firouz’s comprehensive approach ensures the incision chosen allows for safe, predictable results while minimizing visible signs of surgery.

Expert Care for a Beautiful, Natural Lift

Breast lift surgery is a delicate balance of artistry and precision. The incision techniques described above are tools that, when carefully selected and executed with skill, can yield exceptional, lasting results. With his years of focused experience and commitment to natural‑looking outcomes, Dr. Jimmy S. Firouz is trusted by patients seeking refined breast lift results that enhance both their appearance and confidence.

If you’re considering a breast lift, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Firouz is the best way to explore which incision technique and surgical plan are most appropriate for you.