The Kindest Cut: Various Breast Reduction Techniques and Their Incisions Placements

Of course, not all breasts are alike. They have varying degrees of ptosis and asymmetry, and different amounts of tissue and fat. To achieve the best results, a good plastic surgeon should tailor the procedure to meet your needs as an individual.

There are several breast reduction techniques available, some combining breast reduction and lift.

Liposuction-assisted Breast Reduction With this technique, breast reduction is performed by removing tissue with a liposuction cannula via 3 to 4 small incisions, each approximately 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long. This technique leaves small scars, possibly on the areola, in the armpit, and within various areas in the crease. Some surgeons perform breast liposuction for moderate to minimal reduction cases in those who have excellent skin elasticity.

Crescent Lift With Breast Reduction

With this technique, a breast lift is performed by removing a crescent of tissue above the areola and removing breast tissue and fat either manually or with a cannula. It leaves a small scar above the areola and is sufficient for minimal reduction and lift cases.

Periareolar Lift With Reduction

With this technique, a lift is performed by excising a "doughnut" of tissue around the areola and removing breast tissue and fat either manually or with a cannula. A type of internal purse string suture may be placed around the areola to reduce the risk of lift-fail or scar stretching. This technique leaves a scar around the areola and is sufficient for moderate reduction and lift cases.

Lejour Lift With Reduction

With this breast reduction technique, a lift is performed by removing a "keyhole" shaped piece of tissue around the areola and down to the crease. Breast tissue and fat is usually removed manually and sometimes additionally with a cannula. This technique requires an incision that runs around the areola and in a straight line down to the crease. It is sufficient for moderate breast reduction and lift cases.

Anchor Lift or Standard Breast Reduction Technique

With this technique, a significant amount of tissue above and around the areola and down to and throughout the crease is removed. Breast tissue and fat is usually removed manually. The breast reduction incisions run around the areola, down to the crease and in a large curved line at the breast crease. The scar looks like an anchor, hence the name. This technique and is often used in mild to severe breast reduction and lift cases.