A Mastopexy is an operation to help elevate the breast from a position that is too low on the chest wall. Oftentimes a woman’s breasts will change over the course of time. These factors may include: gravity, aging, weight fluctuations, breast-feeding, pregnancy and may even stem from congenital birth defects. A Mastopexy is intended to address and correct these problems, even address the area of the nipple areolar complex. Which can become thin, effaced and larger than it should be. The Vertical Mastopexy is a technique used to reshape and restore the breasts and can be used for medium to significant reduction.

The Vertical Mastopexy uses a technique called a ‘Lollipop Incision’ developed by the surgeon Madame LeJour in Europe in the 1990s. Utilized to reduce the size of the breast needed to elevate the area, and move the nipple to a higher, more proper position on the breast. The advantage being the size of the incision which is quite small and minimal compared to the incisions of a normal anchor mastopexy or Weiss Pattern. Which can have more complication to blood flow than its vertical counterpart.

The ‘Lollipop Incision’ circles around the nipple and forms a line that extends from the nipple down to the lower lateral aspect and fold of the breast. Allowing the extra skin at the base of the breast to be removed and the nipple to be elevated. Creating a smooth nice attractive contour at the base of the breast and making it hidden entirely by any brassiere or bathing suit. Together the incisions elevate the projection of the breast and restore the nipple to its best, lifted position.

A Vertical Mastopexy, in Dr. Jacobsen’s experience gives a much better-looking breast. Having the least amount of incisions and adding the most projection to the breast. Known for being safe and working very well on most patients with breasts that are either too large or too low. The one caveat being if the nipple areolar complex is quite excessively low, which can be addressed by utilizing different techniques.

Before

After

Although there are benefits to every procedure, the most significant advantage of the vertical mastopexy is how safe it is. Having the least amount of incisions and best circulation of blood flow. Unlike the Weiss Pattern Mastopexy the vertical mastopexy avoids having multiple incisions that break the breast into separate blood supplies. Since the Vertical Mastopexy only removes soft tissue from the lower lateral portion of the breast and uses the minimal amount of incisions, this procedure maintains blood supply to the entire breast and nipple. Helping the area to heal quickly as possible. As a result, a Vertical Mastopexy can be repeated over and over or adjusted. Whereas the Weiss Pattern Mastopexy cannot, without significant risk to loss of soft tissue.

Please feel free to visit our page on the weiss pattern mastopexy or view our other pages and schedule a consult to see which Mastopexy is best for you.