Vertical Mastopexy without Implants in a Slender Woman, Raleigh, NC*

This 39-year-old woman had 3 children and has lost some volume in her small breasts and developed sagging. She wished to have a breast lift and initially was considering some volume improvement but did not want breast implants. She was noted to have significant deflation of her breasts with her nipples falling to the bottom portion of her breast mound. She initially had considered some fat transfer to improve volume but ultimately decided upon the mastopexy alone. Dr. Lyle performed a vertical mastopexy sometimes called a lollipop lift (or short scar technique). This involves elevation of the nipple and reshaping of the breast through incisions around the areola and vertically down the midline of the breast. This technique is usually suitable for smaller breasted women and those without too much excess skin. The patient was very pleased with the improvement. In her case, no excess breast tissue was removed -only skin. She has some mild asymmetry with the left side being slightly larger but because she would consider future fat transfer to improve some volume, this was not corrected during surgery to avoid removing any of her breast volume. Fat transfer to the breast can be done during the performance of mastopexy and even breast augmentation. It is not the same as doing breast augmentation however as the fat has to be delivered in multiple small quantities throughout the breast and not in one specific area like a breast implant would do.