There are different techniques for lifting the breasts, the choice of which depends on the degree of breast sagging.
The three most common techniques are: periareolar incision, vertical incision, and anchor incision.
Periareolar incision is made around the areola, the dark pigmented area around the nipple. This technique is often used for mild to moderate breast lifts and the scar is usually well hidden at the areola border.
Vertical incision: This type of incision is made around the areola and then vertically down the breast. It is used for moderate to significant breast lifts and allows for greater tissue reshaping. The resulting scar is shaped like a lollipop, with a circular scar around the areola and a vertical scar down the breast.
Anchor incision: This type of incision is the most common technique used for significant breast lifts. It involves an incision around the areola, a vertical incision down the breast, and a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest). The resulting scar is shaped like an anchor and may be more visible, but it allows for the most significant reshaping of the breast.
After the incisions have been made, the surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to lift and firm the breasts. If necessary, the surgeon will reposition the nipple to a higher position on the breast mound. Once the reshaping is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or surgical adhesive.
