
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY

Breast lift surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons around the world. Various surgical techniques have been developed to lift and refine the breast shape, including Lejour vertical mastopexy. Also known as the lollipop breast lift or short scar breast lift, Lejour vertical mastopexy is an advanced breast lift procedure designed to elevate, reshape, and rejuvenate the breasts with minimal scarring. This breast lift technique lifts and tightens sagging tissue while refining the natural breast contour for a more youthful, balanced appearance.
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. Known for her precision and artistry, Dr. Rhee customizes each mastopexy procedure to suit individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. If you are interested in the lollipop procedure, Charlotte Ann Rhee, MD, offers free consultations to see if you are a good candidate.

Elevates and reshapes sagging breasts for a firmer, more youthful breast shape.

Uses a lollipop incision pattern for subtle, discreet breast lift scars.

Tightens skin and repositions the nipple for smoother, more natural lines.

Typically an outpatient procedure with initial recovery in 1–2 weeks.

A breast lift can be paired with breast implants for added volume and projection.
Lejour Vertical Mastopexy, also referred to as a short-scar incision or lollipop incision, is a type of breast surgery that involves a conservative vertical 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. Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee specializes in the Lejour Vertical Mastopexy technique, using her expertise to achieve natural, lifted results with minimal scarring and beautifully balanced contours.
The Lejour Vertical Mastopexy incision is referred to as a “lollipop incision” because of its shape. 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 lower half of the breast.

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 envelope of skin around the breast. Sutures are inserted to close the vertical incision.

Lejour Vertical Mastopexy is ideal for women experiencing breast sagging, loss of firmness, or stretched skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. This technique is highly effective for addressing sagging breasts, restoring projection and firmness while achieving a natural-looking result. For patients seeking more fullness, the Vertical Mastopexy Technique can be combined with breast augmentation using Mentor breast implants, resulting in beautifully proportioned and lasting results.
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.
Ideal candidates for Lejour Vertical Mastopexy are women who want to reverse the effects of sagging or reduce moderately large breasts to a smaller size that is more proportionate to other body curves. 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.

“I had been having issues with my large breasts for many years and had seen a plastic surgeon years ago for surgery but did not feel comfortable with the doctor. Recently, my friend had a breast reduction by Dr Rhee and recommended her. I was so happy that she did. I had my surgery last week, and I am amazed. I feel lighter and my neck pain is gone. My breasts are lifted and perky! My only regret is that I wish I had known about Dr Rhee earlier!” – Nadine L.

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:
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.
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.
Those who want more than the average surgical bra can look to BodyFly. BodyFly is a line of body shaping activewear for patients who 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 who 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.

Most patients see visible improvement in breast position and firmness right after their lollipop mastopexy, with the final shape emerging as swelling subsides and breast lift scars fade. The vertical incision breast lift delivers a beautifully natural breast contour, restoring confidence and comfort in your silhouette.
After surgery, women often experience a better fit in clothing, improved body proportions, and a renewed sense of confidence. Mastopexy results can last for many years when supported by healthy habits and stable weight.
Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee is a breast surgery expert who combines surgical precision with compassionate, personalized care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, she has over 30 years of experience performing advanced breast lift procedures, including the vertical mastopexy technique.
In her private, accredited surgical suite in Huntington, NY, Dr. Rhee ensures patient safety and comfort throughout every step of treatment. She uses the Lejour Vertical Mastopexy method to achieve elegant, natural breast lift results with minimal scarring and lasting beauty. For patients desiring enhanced fullness, she exclusively uses Mentor breast implants, trusted for their durability, softness, and lifelike feel, to complement the lift and refine the breast contours.

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.
The lollipop incision is a refined short-scar breast lift method used in the Lejour Vertical Mastopexy. It involves a circular incision around the areola and a single vertical line extending down to the breast crease. This precise pattern allows Dr. Rhee to lift, tighten, and reshape the breast tissue while minimizing visible scarring for a more natural breast contour. Over time, these breast lift scars fade to fine lines that blend with the surrounding skin.
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.
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.
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.
The lollipop breast lift is typically completed in two to three hours under general anesthesia in Dr. Rhee’s accredited surgical suite. It is an outpatient plastic surgery procedure, with most patients returning home the same day and resume light activity within one week.
Yes. Many women choose to combine the vertical breast lift with Mentor breast implants for a comprehensive enhancement that restores both volume and shape. This breast lift and augmentation combination can produce youthful fullness while tightening sagging skin for long-lasting, natural results.
The Lejour Vertical Mastopexy offers excellent lifting and reshaping results with far less scarring than traditional anchor incisions. Because it uses only vertical and periareolar lines, the lollipop incision breast lift results in a shorter recovery, improved breast contour, and smooth, natural lines.
All breast lift procedures result in some scarring, but the short-scar breast lift minimizes this significantly. The fine lines around the areola and down the lower breast fade steadily over time, leaving subtle marks that are easy to conceal. Dr. Rhee provides detailed scar care instructions during your mastopexy recovery to promote smooth healing.
Absolutely. The vertical incision breast lift is a popular option for women seeking a breast lift after weight loss or pregnancy. It restores firmness and reshapes stretched breast tissue, helping you regain a youthful, lifted profile with naturally balanced results.