What is a Lollipop Lift?

As a board-certified plastic surgeon at my Raleigh, NC practice, I, Dr. Glenn Lyle, have had the  privilege of helping countless women regain confidence in their bodies through breast lift procedures. One of the most popular techniques I offer is the lollipop lift, a procedure designed to reshape and lift the breasts for a more youthful and perky appearance. Many women experience sagging due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations, and the lollipop lift is an excellent option to restore firmness and shape.

The goal of this article is to  educate you on the lollipop lift, how it works, who can benefit from it, and what you can expect during recovery. This procedure provides a well-balanced approach to breast enhancement, offering significant lift and reshaping while minimizing scarring. With years of experience in breast enhancement surgery, I am here to provide expert insight into this transformative procedure and guide you through the decision-making process.

Understanding the Lollipop Lift

A lollipop lift, or vertical mastopexy, is a breast lift technique  that effectively reshapes and elevates the breasts while minimizing incision length. The name "lollipop lift" comes from the incision pattern used in the procedure: one incision is made around the areola, and a second incision extends vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. This results in a lollipop-shaped scar that heals well over time, blending into the natural contours of the breast.

Other names are vertical lift, balloon breast lift , circumvertical lift or limited scar mastopexy.

Dr Lyle often uses a technique called L scar where a short horizontal extension along the lateral inframammary fold is added to remove excess skin without it being visible in a bikini top.

Unlike traditional breast lifts that require an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease (commonly known as the anchor lift or inverted T incision), the lollipop lift eliminates the need for this extra incision. This technique allows for a more significant lift and reshaping than a donut lift while avoiding excessive scarring. The lollipop lift is an excellent choice for women seeking a middle-ground solution—one that offers a well-contoured, lifted appearance without the additional scarring of an anchor lift. It is best for those with moderate degrees of ptosis or drooping. It is ideal for the woman with smaller breast and narrower base width. It is not right for everyone.

If you have too much extra skin and are having a major reduction - the anchor pattern might be best.

Who is a Good Candidate?

If you are considering a breast lift, determining whether a lollipop lift is right for you depends on several factors. The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone who:

• Has moderate breast sagging (ptosis): If your breasts have lost volume and your nipples sit below the natural breast fold, a lollipop lift can restore a firmer, lifted look. Patients with severe sagging may require a more extensive lift, such as an anchor lift, to achieve optimal results.
• Has good skin elasticity: Skin elasticity plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results. Women with good skin quality tend to experience better healing and long-lasting outcomes. Patients with very loose or inelastic skin may need additional procedures to achieve the best result.
• Wants to improve nipple position and breast symmetry: Many women experience asymmetry in their breasts, where one breast sits lower than the other. A lollipop lift helps correct these imbalances while repositioning the nipples to a more youthful height, ensuring a natural and symmetrical look.
• Is in good overall health: Candidates should be in good physical health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and results. Maintaining a stable weight is also essential to ensure the longevity of results.

"One of the first things I tell my patients in Raleigh, NC, is that a lollipop lift is perfect for those who want to restore shape without excessive scarring. If your nipples are sitting below the breast fold, this technique can dramatically enhance your breast contour while maintaining a natural appearance."

The Lollipop Lift Procedure

The lollipop lift is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes around two to three hours. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, my focus is on precision and artistry to achieve results that enhance both shape and symmetry. The steps of the procedure include:  

1. Incision Placement: The procedure begins with carefully placed incisions—one around the areola and another running vertically from the areola to the lower breast crease. These incisions allow for optimal reshaping of the breast tissue while keeping scarring minimal and well-concealed.  
2. Reshaping the Breast Tissue: I then lift and sculpt the underlying breast tissue to create a more youthful and rounded contour, ensuring balance and symmetry between both breasts. Excess skin is removed, allowing for a firmer, tighter breast appearance.  
3. Repositioning the Nipple: The nipples are carefully repositioned to a higher, more aesthetically pleasing location. Importantly, the nipple remains attached to the underlying tissue, preserving sensation and blood supply. If necessary, the areola size can also be reduced to achieve a more proportional look.  
4. Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed using fine sutures, and the skin is carefully positioned to minimize scarring and ensure the most natural-looking results. I take special care to use advanced suturing techniques to ensure optimal healing and minimal scar visibility. 

Combining a Lollipop Lift with Other Procedures

Many of my patients choose to combine a lollipop lift with other breast procedures to achieve enhanced results. 

• Breast Augmentation: For women who have lost volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, combining a lollipop lift with breast implants can provide both lift and fullness, creating a beautifully contoured result. The combination of a lift with implants is particularly popular among women seeking a more youthful, rejuvenated breast appearance. It is very common to use a lollipop lift with augmentation because not as much skin needs to be removed with an augmentation mastopexy since the implant will stretch out some of the loose skin but the nipple still has be repositioned.
• Breast Reduction: If large breasts are causing physical discomfort, back pain, or self-consciousness, a lollipop lift can be performed alongside a breast reduction to achieve a smaller, firmer, and more proportional breast size. This combination helps alleviate discomfort while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing shape.

"Many of my patients in Raleigh, NC, choose to combine their lollipop lift with implants for a fuller, more youthful look. This combination allows us to enhance both the shape and size, creating beautifully natural and proportionate results."

Final Thoughts

A lollipop lift is an excellent option for women who want a youthful, perky breast shape with minimal scarring. If you’re considering this procedure, I encourage you to schedule a consultation at my Raleigh, NC practice. I take pride in helping my patients feel confident in their bodies, and I’d love to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

The best thing about a Lollipop lift? - there is no scar medially so when you wear a bathing suit top or low-cut dress- no scar is visible in the cleavage area.

Further Reading  

• Read Dr Glenn Lyle’s Blog on Teenage Breast Reduction 
• Read Dr Glenn Lyle’s Photo Page on Breast Implants With Lollipop Lift, Raleigh, North Carolina 

About Dr Lyle - Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh NC

Dr. Glenn Lyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Raleigh, NC community at Lyle Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center since 2002. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in breast surgery and body contouring , including tummy tucks, to enhance patients' appearance after weight loss, pregnancy, and aging.

Dr. Lyle completed his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Throughout his career, Dr. Lyle has contributed to the field through research, publications, and presentations at national meetings. His practice emphasizes patient safety and personalized care to achieve natural results.

Next Steps

If you’re considering a breast lift in Raleigh, NC, and want personalized advice about your suitability, recovery, risks and results, I’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Let’s work together to help you achieve your best results—safely and beautifully.

To book a consultation please fill in the contact form or phone the office.