The Anchor, Lollipop, and Crescent Lift: Understanding Breast Lift Surgery Techniques

Choosing the right breast lift technique is crucial for achieving your desired results whilst minimising scarring. Each surgical approach, anchor, lollipop, and crescent, addresses different degrees of breast sagging and produces distinct scar patterns. Understanding these techniques helps you make informed decisions about which option best suits your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and elevates sagging breasts to create a more youthful, lifted appearance. The surgery removes excess skin, tightens surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipple-areola complex to a higher, more forward-facing position on the chest wall.

Unlike breast augmentation, which adds volume through implants, a breast lift focuses on reshaping existing tissue. However, the two procedures can be combined for patients who want both lift and increased size.

Breast lift surgery becomes appropriate when:

• Breasts have lost firmness and shape due to ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
• Nipples point downward rather than forward
• Breasts sag below the natural breast crease
• Areolas have stretched and appear disproportionately large
• One breast sits noticeably lower than the other

Why breast lift technique matters

Not all breast lifts are the same. The technique your surgeon recommends depends primarily on the degree of sagging (ptosis) you’re experiencing, the amount of excess skin present, and your desired outcome.

The importance of personalised technique selection

Matching technique to anatomy ensures:

• Appropriate correction for your specific degree of sagging
• Optimal breast shape and positioning
• Minimised scarring relative to the correction needed
• Natural-looking, proportionate results
• Reduced risk of revision surgery

Using the wrong technique can result in:

• Insufficient lift if a less invasive method is chosen for significant sagging
• Unnecessary scarring if a more extensive technique is used when a simpler approach would suffice
• Compromised blood supply to the nipple with inappropriate methods
• Results that don’t meet your expectations

Understanding how surgeons assess your anatomy and select the appropriate technique empowers you to participate meaningfully in treatment planning.

Measuring breast sagging: Understanding ptosis grades

Plastic surgeons classify breast sagging into grades based on where the nipple sits in relation to the inframammary fold (the crease beneath your breast). This classification system guides technique selection.

Ptosis classification

Grade I (Mild Ptosis):

• Nipple is at the level of the breast crease or slightly below (within 1cm)
• Upper breast appears relatively full
• Minimal sagging overall

Grade II (Moderate Ptosis):

• Nipple sits 1-3cm below the breast crease
• Upper breast shows noticeable deflation
• Moderate sagging is visible

Grade III (Advanced Ptosis):

• Nipple sits more than 3cm below the breast crease
• Nipple points downward
• Significant sagging with substantial excess skin

Pseudoptosis:

• Nipple remains at or above the breast crease
• Lower breast tissue sags below the crease
• Creates appearance of sagging without true nipple descent

Understanding your ptosis grade helps explain why your surgeon recommends a particular technique.

The crescent lift: Minimal correction for minimal scarring

The crescent lift is the least invasive breast lift technique, appropriate only for very specific cases with minimal sagging.

When a crescent lift is appropriate

This technique works best for:

• Very mild ptosis or pseudoptosis
• Patients requiring minimal nipple elevation (typically less than 2cm)
• Those combining the lift with breast augmentation where implants provide most of the lifting effect
• Correction of minor asymmetry between breasts

The crescent lift is rarely performed as a standalone procedure. It’s most commonly used in conjunction with breast augmentation, where the implants provide volume and projection whilst the crescent lift makes minor positional adjustments.

The crescent lift technique

The surgical approach involves:

• Creating a crescent-shaped incision along the top half of the areola
• Removing a small amount of skin above the areola
• Elevating the nipple-areola complex upward
• Closing the incision along the upper areola border

This technique produces a scar only along the upper portion of the areola, where it typically heals well and becomes relatively inconspicuous.

Advantages of the crescent lift

• Minimal scarring limited to the upper areola
• Shorter surgery time compared to more extensive techniques
• Faster recovery period
• Less invasive overall

Limitations of the crescent lift

• Provides only modest lift (1-2cm maximum)
• Cannot remove significant excess skin
• May distort areola shape if used inappropriately
• Unsuitable for moderate to severe sagging
• Limited ability to reshape the breast

At Enhance Medical Group, our surgeons carefully assess whether the crescent lift can achieve your goals or if a more comprehensive technique would better serve your needs.

The lollipop lift: Versatile correction for moderate sagging

The lollipop lift, also called the vertical lift or short-scar technique, offers more comprehensive correction than the crescent lift whilst avoiding the horizontal scar of the anchor lift.

When a lollipop lift is appropriate

This technique is ideal for:

• Grade I to Grade II ptosis (mild to moderate sagging)
• Patients with moderate excess skin
• Those seeking significant reshaping and elevation
• Women who want to avoid the anchor scar pattern
• Cases where breast width doesn’t require significant reduction

The lollipop lift has become increasingly popular as refinements in surgical technique have expanded its applications.

The lollipop lift technique

The surgical approach involves:

• Creating a circular incision around the areola
• Making a vertical incision from the bottom of the areola straight down to the breast crease
• Removing excess skin in a calculated pattern
• Reshaping the breast tissue into a more projected, rounded contour
• Elevating the nipple-areola complex to a higher position
• Closing incisions to create the characteristic lollipop scar pattern

The technique allows surgeons to remove excess skin vertically whilst avoiding the horizontal scar beneath the breast.

Advantages of the lollipop lift

• Provides substantial lift for moderate sagging
• Excellent breast reshaping capabilities
• Avoids the horizontal scar across the breast crease
• Suitable for combining with breast augmentation
• Creates naturally rounded, projected breast shape
• Versatile technique appropriate for many patients

Limitations of the lollipop lift

• More extensive scarring than the crescent lift
• Vertical scar remains visible on the lower breast (though typically fades well)
• May not provide sufficient correction for severe sagging
• Limited ability to reduce very wide breasts
• Requires experienced surgical technique for optimal results

Recovery from lollipop lift

Recovery follows a similar timeline to other breast lift techniques:

• Initial discomfort for the first few days managed with medication
• Swelling and bruising peak around day 3-4 then gradually subside
• Return to light activities within 1-2 weeks
• Most normal activities resumed by 4-6 weeks
• Final results visible after 3-6 months as swelling completely resolves

The vertical scar typically heals well, fading to a thin line that becomes less noticeable over 12-18 months.

The anchor lift: Comprehensive correction for significant sagging

The anchor lift, also known as the inverted-T or Wise pattern lift, is the most extensive breast lift technique and the gold standard for correcting significant sagging.

When an anchor lift is appropriate

This technique is necessary for:

• Grade II to Grade III ptosis (moderate to severe sagging)
• Significant excess skin requiring extensive removal
• Very large, heavy breasts needing substantial reshaping
• Cases requiring breast width reduction
• Patients with elongated, tubular breast shape
• Maximum lift and reshaping requirements

The anchor lift provides the most comprehensive correction available and can address even the most severe cases of breast sagging.

The anchor lift technique

The surgical approach involves:

• Creating a circular incision around the areola
• Making a vertical incision from the areola down to the breast crease
• Adding a horizontal incision along the breast crease
• Removing substantial amounts of excess skin
• Extensively reshaping and tightening breast tissue
• Significantly elevating the nipple-areola complex
• Closing incisions to create the characteristic anchor-shaped scar

This technique provides maximum access for reshaping, allowing surgeons to create dramatic improvements in breast position and contour.

Advantages of the anchor lift

• Provides maximum lift for severe sagging
• Can correct very large or heavy breasts
• Allows extensive reshaping and contouring
• Can reduce breast width significantly
• Most versatile technique for complex cases
• Produces the most dramatic, long-lasting results
• Suitable for combining with breast reduction or augmentation

Limitations of the anchor lift

• Most extensive scarring of all techniques
• Longer surgery time
• Extended recovery period
• Horizontal scar along the breast crease (though usually hidden in the fold)
• Higher risk of healing complications due to longer incisions

Understanding anchor lift scarring

The anchor lift produces three scar components:

Around the areola: This scar typically heals well and becomes relatively inconspicuous due to the natural colour transition between areola and surrounding skin.

Vertical scar: Running from the areola to the breast crease, this scar is visible on the lower breast but generally fades to a thin line over time.

Horizontal scar: Following the breast crease, this scar is often hidden in the natural fold beneath the breast and becomes less visible when wearing a bra or when viewed from the front.

Regardless of the procedure, you must follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely to support optimal healing. Scars take up to 12 months to heal fully, continuing to fade and flatten during this period.

Comparing the three techniques

Understanding how the techniques compare helps clarify which might be appropriate for your situation.

Scarring comparison

Crescent lift:

• Scar only along upper areola border
• Minimal scarring overall
• Heals very well due to limited length

Lollipop lift:

• Circular scar around areola
• Vertical scar down to breast crease
• No horizontal scar across crease
• Moderate scarring that typically fades well

Anchor lift:

• Circular scar around areola
• Vertical scar down to breast crease
• Horizontal scar along breast crease
• Most extensive scarring but often well-hidden

Read more about breast lift scarring.

Degree of correction

Crescent lift: Minimal (1-2cm nipple elevation)

Lollipop lift: Moderate to substantial correction for most cases

Anchor lift: Maximum correction for severe sagging

Recovery time

Crescent lift: Shortest recovery, typically 2-3 weeks to normal activities

Lollipop lift: Moderate recovery, typically 4-6 weeks to normal activities

Anchor lift: Longest recovery, typically 6-8 weeks to full normal activities

Longevity of results

Crescent lift: Results may diminish over time, particularly without implants

Lollipop lift: Good longevity with proper aftercare and stable weight

Anchor lift: Most durable, long-lasting results due to extensive tissue support

Factors influencing technique selection

Your surgeon considers multiple factors when recommending a specific breast lift technique.

Primary considerations

Degree of ptosis: The most important factor determining which technique is appropriate.

Amount of excess skin: More excess skin requires more extensive techniques to remove it adequately.

Breast size: Larger, heavier breasts often require the anchor technique for adequate support.

Breast width: Very wide breasts may need the horizontal incision of the anchor lift to reduce width.

Desired breast size: Whether you want to maintain, reduce, or increase size influences technique selection and whether augmentation or reduction is combined.

Nipple position: The distance the nipple needs to move affects technique choice.

Skin quality: Poor elasticity may require more extensive skin removal.

Previous surgeries: Prior breast surgery can affect blood supply and technique options.

Combining breast lift with augmentation

Many patients choose to combine breast lift with augmentation to address both sagging and volume loss simultaneously.

Why combine procedures

Breast lift with augmentation benefits:

• Restores volume lost through pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
• Provides lift and youthful positioning
• Creates fuller upper breast contour
• Achieves more dramatic transformation in a single surgery
• Avoids need for separate procedures and recoveries

How combination affects technique choice

When adding implants to a lift, technique selection considers:

• Implants provide some inherent lifting effect
• Smaller degrees of sagging may be adequately corrected with less invasive techniques when implants are added
• The crescent or lollipop lift may suffice where an anchor lift might otherwise be needed
• Implant size and placement affect the degree of additional lifting required

Recovery from combined procedures

Combined breast lift and augmentation involves:

• Slightly longer surgery time
• Managing both lift healing and implant settling
• Potentially more discomfort initially
• Similar overall recovery timeline to lift alone
• Final results emerging over several months as both procedures settle

At your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals or if staging them separately would be preferable.

What to expect during your consultation

A comprehensive consultation ensures you receive personalised recommendations based on your unique anatomy and goals.

The assessment process

Your surgeon will:

• Review your medical history and any previous breast surgeries
• Discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations
• Perform a physical examination assessing breast size, shape, and degree of ptosis
• Evaluate skin quality and elasticity
• Measure nipple position relative to the breast crease
• Assess breast symmetry
• Take photographs for your surgical records
• Explain which technique(s) would be most appropriate for your situation

Questions to ask

Consider asking your surgeon:

• Which technique do you recommend for my anatomy and why?
• What degree of lift can I realistically expect?
• How will my scars heal and where exactly will they be?
• Should I consider combining the lift with augmentation or reduction?
• What are the risks specific to the recommended technique?
• How many breast lifts have you performed using this technique?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
• What happens if I become pregnant or lose weight after surgery?
• How long will my results last?

Setting realistic expectations

Your surgeon should provide honest, realistic information about:

• The degree of improvement possible with your chosen technique
• Expected scar appearance and evolution over time
• Recovery timeline specific to your procedure
• Longevity of results with proper maintenance
• Limitations of the recommended approach

Recovery and aftercare across techniques

Whilst specific recovery details vary by technique, general principles apply to all breast lift procedures.

Immediate post-operative period (Days 1-7)

Regardless of technique, expect:

• Moderate pain and discomfort managed with prescribed medication
• Swelling and bruising, most pronounced in the first few days
• Bandages or surgical dressings covering incisions
• Possible drainage tubes (removed within 1-2 days)
• Instructions to wear a surgical support bra continuously
• Need to keep the upper body elevated while resting
• Restrictions on lifting, bending, and reaching

Early recovery (Weeks 2-4)

During this phase:

• Pain significantly decreases
• Swelling begins subsiding noticeably
• Initial sutures may be removed (if non-dissolvable)
• Transition to a supportive surgical bra worn most of the time
• Gradual return to light activities
• Most people feel comfortable returning to desk-based work

Progressive healing (Weeks 4-8)

Your recovery advances substantially:

• Swelling continues diminishing
• Breast shape becomes more apparent
• Most normal activities can resume
• Gentle exercise may be permitted (with surgeon approval)
• Incision lines begin maturing and fading
• Increasing comfort with your new breast appearance

Long-term healing (Months 3-12)

Final results emerge during this period:

• Breasts settle into their permanent position
• Swelling completely resolves
• Scars continue fading and flattening
• You can fully appreciate your final outcome
• All activities and exercise fully resumed
• Scar care continues until fully matured (up to 12-18 months)

Optimising scar healing

Regardless of technique, proper scar care supports optimal healing:

• Follow your surgeon’s specific scar care instructions
• Avoid sun exposure on healing incisions for at least 12 months
• Use recommended scar treatments once cleared by your surgeon (typically after 3 weeks)
• Massage scars gently once fully healed to improve appearance
• Maintain realistic expectations about scar visibility
• Remember that scars take 12-18 months to fully mature

Long-term results and maintenance

Understanding how to maintain your breast lift results helps ensure lasting satisfaction with your investment.

Factors affecting longevity

Your results can be maintained longer by:

• Maintaining stable weight (fluctuations affect breast shape)
• Wearing supportive bras, particularly during exercise
• Protecting breast skin from sun damage
• Following a healthy lifestyle that supports skin quality
• Avoiding smoking, which impairs healing and skin elasticity

Factors that may compromise results over time:

• Significant weight gain or loss
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Natural ageing and gravity
• Poor skin quality or elasticity
• Smoking
• Lack of proper breast support

When results may change

Even with excellent surgical technique, breasts continue changing over time due to:

• Natural ageing processes affecting skin elasticity
• Gravitational effects over many years
• Hormonal changes through life stages
• Weight fluctuations

Most patients enjoy their breast lift results for many years, with some eventually choosing revision surgery to maintain their desired appearance.

Potential complications and risks

All surgical procedures carry risks. Understanding potential complications helps you make informed decisions and recognise when to seek medical attention.

General breast lift complications

Common risks across all techniques include:

• Temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Asymmetry between breasts (minor differences are normal)
• Delayed wound healing, particularly in smokers
• Unfavourable scarring
• Fat necrosis (firm lumps in breast tissue)
• Fluid accumulation requiring drainage

Technique-specific considerations

Crescent lift: Risk of areola distortion if technique is used inappropriately for the degree of sagging present.

Lollipop lift: Potential for visible vertical scar on the lower breast if healing is suboptimal.

Anchor lift: Longer incisions mean higher risk of wound healing issues and more extensive scarring, though complications remain relatively uncommon.

Serious complications requiring immediate attention

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain on one side not controlled by medication
• Significant asymmetry or extreme swelling developing suddenly
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus, fever above 38°C)
• Excessive bleeding or discharge from incisions
• Opening of incision lines
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Loss of nipple sensation accompanied by colour changes

At Enhance Medical Group, we provide comprehensive aftercare support and 24-hour emergency contact information to all our patients.

Making your decision

Choosing to undergo breast lift surgery and selecting the appropriate technique requires careful consideration of multiple factors.

Key decision points

Consider:

• Your primary concerns (degree of sagging, breast shape, size)
• Your willingness to accept scarring for better results
• Your timeline for recovery
• Your lifestyle and activity level
• Your future plans (pregnancy, weight changes)
• Your personal priorities (minimal scars vs. maximum lift)

Working with your surgeon

The best outcomes result from collaborative decision-making between you and your surgeon:

• Share your goals and concerns openly
• Listen to your surgeon’s professional recommendations
• Ask questions until you fully understand your options
• Take time to consider your decision without feeling rushed
• Ensure you feel confident and comfortable before proceeding

When to proceed

You’re ready for breast lift surgery when:

• You have realistic expectations about outcomes and scarring
• You understand the recommended technique and why it’s appropriate
• You’re committed to following aftercare instructions
• You’ve considered the recovery timeline
• You feel confident in your surgeon
• You’re pursuing surgery for yourself, not to please others

Understanding the differences between anchor, lollipop, and crescent breast lift techniques empowers you to participate meaningfully in planning your procedure. Each technique serves specific purposes, addressing different degrees of breast sagging with varying scar patterns and recovery timelines.

The crescent lift offers minimal correction with minimal scarring, ideal for very mild cases or when combined with augmentation. The lollipop lift provides substantial correction for moderate sagging whilst avoiding the horizontal anchor scar. The anchor lift delivers maximum correction for significant sagging, creating the most comprehensive and long-lasting results.

Your surgeon’s recommendation will be based on careful assessment of your anatomy, degree of ptosis, aesthetic goals, and personal priorities. By understanding these techniques, you can engage in informed discussions about which approach best suits your individual needs and expectations.

At Enhance Medical Group, our experienced GMC-registered surgeons specialise in all breast lift techniques, tailoring their approach to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. We take the time to discuss surgery outcomes, expectations, and the associated risks, ensuring you feel confident in your decision. Find out more about breast lift surgery at Enhance Medical Group and book a free consultation with our team to discuss which technique would be most appropriate for achieving your aesthetic goals.