Breast lift surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons around the world. Various surgical techniques have been developed to reduce and refine breast shape, including vertical mastopexy. Board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon Charlotte Ann Rhee MD is proud to offer the Lejour Vertical Mastopexy (Lollipop Procedure) to patients in Long Island.
If you are interested in the lollipop procedure, Charlotte Ann Rhee MD offers free consultations to see if you are a good candidate.
What Is Lejour Vertical Mastopexy?
Lejour Vertical Mastopexy is a type of breast surgery that involves a conservative vertical incision. This may also be referred to as a short-scar incision. The technique has been in use for many decades and has been refined by esteemed surgeons around the world to reshape the breasts with the most discreet scarring possible.
Candidates For Lejour Vertical Mastopexy Surgery
Ideal candidates for Lejour Vertical Mastopexy are women who want to reduce moderately large breasts to a smaller size that is more proportionate to other body curves, such as the hips and shoulders. Dr. Rhee performs a thoughtful examination of breast tissue to ensure the vertical incision technique will achieve the desired outcome. In general, surgical candidates are in good health and do not smoke.
What Is The Lollipop Incision?
A lollipop incision is named for its pattern. The initial part of a lollipop incision circles the areola, the colored skin that surrounds the nipple. Then, a second circular incision is made to notate the new nipple and areola position. Finally, a vertical incision is made from the low, center point of the second circular incision. This vertical line extends down to the natural crease below the breast. At the end of a lollipop mastopexy, the nipple and areola make up the top of the “lollipop” and a subtle suture creates a vertical line down the breast.
Benefits Of The Lollipop Incision For Breast Lift Surgery
In addition to reducing the breasts to the desired size, the Lejour Vertical Mastopexy can elevate the nipples and decrease the size of the areola to harmonize with the new, smaller breast size. Compared to other incision types, such as the anchor incision, a lollipop pattern is less extensive. The only resulting scar tissue occurs at the border of the areola and down the lower breast to the breast crease. There is no additional horizontal scar in the crease itself. The limited incision of the Lejour Vertical Mastopexy can support a shorter recovery period than would be necessary after an anchor incision surgery.
Can I Combine My Breast Lift with Breast Augmentation or Other Procedures?
Even with the conservative incision pattern, the Lejour Vertical Breast Lift can be combined with breast augmentation. Silicone or saline implants are usually inserted under the pectoral chest muscle without the need for a more extensive incision pattern. This combination of breast surgeries may be ideal for you if you want to:
- Restore optimal breast shape due to the loss of volume and firmness caused by aging, weight loss, or pregnancy.
- Bring your breasts into better balance and symmetry.
- You want to increase your breast size while also correcting deflation and nipple position.
There are several benefits to combining breast lift surgery with other procedures, including liposuction or abdominoplasty either in addition to breast augmentation or as alternative complements to your lift. During your consultation with Dr. Rhee, you're invited to discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals as a whole, rather than focusing only on one area of the body. By doing this, the doctor is able to customize the ideal form of treatment to create an overall improvement in your body contours.
When Can I Exercise After a Lollipop Breast Lift?
You'll be encouraged to begin walking right away after your breast lift. Walking is the best way to avoid blood clots and promote circulation that facilitates optimal tissue recovery. Whether or not your breast lift is combined with breast augmentation, you will have activity restrictions beyond the short walks you should take several times a day. Essentially, if an activity causes you to break a sweat, you should avoid it. Aerobic activity that increases your heart rate can elevate your risk of bruising and swelling. Until your incisions have closed, there is also a risk of infection and irritation that could be exacerbated by sweat. You can expect to begin gradually adding more physical movement into your routine approximately two to three weeks after your breast lift. You might take longer walks but may have to keep it mild (no power walking). You may be cleared to ride a stationary bike or engage in other light exercises. You must not engage in strenuous physical activity or any activity that requires you to push, pull, or lift any object that weighs more than a few pounds until Dr. Rhee has given you full clearance after surgery. Usually, more intense exercise may begin six to eight weeks post-op.
Are the Results of My Lollipop Breast Lift Permanent?
The results of breast lift surgery last an equal amount of time regardless of the incision that's used. More than incision type, it is aging and lifestyle factors that influence how long your breast lift will last. We generally expect your results to last 10 to 15 years before you begin to notice slight sagging. To prolong your breast lift results, it is beneficial to implement habits that will help you maintain a stable weight. If you gain more than 15 to 20 pounds, your breasts may fill out with fatty tissue. If that weight is lost, deflation will likely occur, and this can invite sagging. Another way to maintain your breast lift results is to, once you've fully recovered, engage in strength training that sustains muscle tone in the upper part of the body, specifically the abdomen, chest, and arms. Strength training may not prevent sagging due to aging, but it can work against it to some degree. The condition of your skin also contributes to sagging over time. You might address this factor by using sunscreen on exposed chest skin and also receiving beauty treatments that help stimulate collagen in the skin of the neck and chest.
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Lejour Vertical Mastopexy Procedure
Lollipop incision breast surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility. Patients need to be driven to and from their procedure. After administering anesthesia, Dr. Rhee makes the circular and vertical incisions on the breast. The nipple and areola are lifted into a higher position to achieve a nice forward projection. A small amount of excess fatty tissue may be removed before superficial tissue is tightened to create a firm envelop of skin around the breast. Sutures are inserted to close the vertical incision.
Recovery After Lejour Vertical Breast Lift
Immediately after mastopexy, the breasts are dressed with pads, gauze, and a supportive surgical garment. Patients are released to a loved-one after a short period of monitored recovery that allows anesthesia to begin to wear off. At home, the patient may move around the house to promote blood flow. A light diet may be resumed that same day if so desired. Showering may resume the day after surgery. If prescription pain medication is being taken, the patient will need assistance getting in and out of the shower.
Support garments may initially be worn at all times. As tissue heals, the duration of wear decreases to daytime only for a short time before a regular bra may be worn all the time. Post-operative visits are conducted periodically to remove sutures and observe the progress of healing. The scars that form after surgery fade gradually over several months.
For those that want more than the average surgical bra can look to BodyFly. BodyFly is a line of body shaping activewear for patients that are recovering from breast or body surgical procedures. Dr. Rhee founded this company in 2016 to offer patients wardrobe options that incorporate compression benefits with fashion.
Additionally, BodyFly can benefit patients that have not had surgery or are recovered during their regular workouts. Our technology offers moisture wicking fabric, excellent breathability, enhanced circulation and a reduction in soreness which leads to longer stamina while exercising. Let BodyFly enhance your workout while supporting your body. For more information visit here.
Risks Of Lejour Vertical Mastopexy
No surgery is without risk. Patients who are interested in breast lift surgery are fully informed during their consultation regarding potential risks. Statistically speaking, there are fewer risks associated with the Lejour vertical mastopexy technique than other breast lift methods. However, complications such as nerve interruption, seroma formation, and infection are possible. Asymmetry may also occur, though this is often too subtle to affect appearance.
Schedule A Lollipop Mastopexy Consultation!
If you are interested in learning more about our lejour vertical mastopexy surgery, call (631) 424-6707 today to schedule your free consultation with Charlotte Ann Rhee MD! You can also click here to send us an Appointment Request Form. Our practice serves Huntington, Long Island, and surrounding areas in New York.