What is a Periareolar Breast Lift? A Complete Guide
More commonly known as the ‘doughnut lift’, the perareolar mastopexy or breast lift is a procedure to correct mild to moderate breast sagging. By making a doughnut-shaped incision that skirts the full edge of the areola, the surgeon can tighten and remove excess skin and lift the position of the nipple to give the breasts a youthful and perkier appearance.
The periareolar mastopexy is well-suited to those with mild drooping who want to enhance their breast shape. It can also be easily combined with breast augmentation, as the implant can be inserted through the incision to deliver more volume and fullness along with the lift.
In this article, we explain what a periareolar mastopexy involves, how it differs from other breast lift procedures, who’s a good candidate, the pros and cons and the recovery and scarring considerations.
What’s the difference between a periareolar mastopexy and the other breast lift procedures?
A breast lift or mastopexy is the name given to a group of surgical procedures to lift and reshape sagging breasts. Within this group, there are four main breast lift techniques – the crescent, periareolar, vertical and anchor (or inverted-T) lifts – with each involving different incisions and delivering varying levels of lift.
Your surgeon will help you determine the most appropriate procedure for you, depending on factors such as your breast size, the degree of sagging and your aesthetic goals. Here’s a quick rundown of the various breast lift procedures and how the periareolar mastopexy compares.
Crescent lift – for minimal drooping
If you have small breasts with minimal drooping or a slight asymmetry and are primarily looking for a procedure to reposition the areola, a crescent lift is likely to be the right option for you.
The surgeon makes an incision along the top half of the areola so they can remove a small section of skin. They then stitch the incision to lift the breast and shift the nipple upwards. This technique is minimally invasive and leaves little scarring.
Periareolar lift – for mild to moderate drooping
As we’ve said, the periareolar or doughnut lift involves a circular incision around the areola. The surgeon then removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue and repositions the nipple to a higher and more youthful position to correct mild sagging.
The recovery times are generally quick, and the scarring is minimal due to the single incision that’s hidden within the natural line of the areola.
Vertical lift – for moderate to severe drooping
The vertical lift mastopexy is also known as the ‘lollipop lift’ due to the lollipop-shaped incisions that run around the areola and down from the lower part of the areola to the breast crease. These incisions allow the surgeon to remove significant amounts of excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. They can also position the nipple higher on the breast and reduce the size of the areola if required.
This procedure is more invasive than the crescent and periareolar techniques, as it allows the surgeon to remove more skin and deliver greater lift. There’s also more noticeable scarring and an extended recovery period.
Anchor lift – for severe dropping
The anchor or inverted-T lift procedure adds a horizontal incision along the breast crease to the incisions from the vertical lift technique. That enables the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat, reshape the remaining tissue and reposition the nipple and areola higher on the breast.
This, the most invasive of the breast lift procedures, produces the most dramatic lifting effect. It is best suited to patients with large breasts who have a significant amount of excess skin and sagging.
What happens during the periareolar breast lift procedure?
If you’re considering a periareolar mastopexy, you need to know exactly what’s involved in the procedure, from the incision through to the aftercare. Your surgeon will talk you through it during your initial consultation and explain the risks involved. They’ll also assess your suitability for the procedure and outline the results you can expect to achieve.
Anaesthesia
We perform periareolar breast lifts under general anaesthetic to maximise your comfort throughout the procedure.
Making the incision and removing the skin
The surgeon will make a single periareolar incision that follows the outer edge of the areola. That will allow them to remove a disc-shaped piece of skin. The surgeon will remove the skin in a circular pattern around the areola with a diameter of 2 to 3 cms, depending on the needs of the patient.
Tightening the skin
The next step is to bring the circle of skin together, which has the effect of tightening up the loose skin and raising the position of the nipple. The surgeon will then close the incision, usually with dissolvable stitches, leaving a round scar that’s hidden in the areola.
After the procedure
You’ll have a brief recovery period in the clinic to allow the effects of the anaesthesia to wear off. You’ll be able to go home on the same day as the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you.
You’ll be required to wear a special post-operative bra to support the breasts as they heal, and we’ll provide you with pain medication to manage the discomfort. We’ll also arrange your first follow-up appointment.
Who is a periareolar breast lift suitable for?
A periareolar breast lift is well suited to patients with smaller breasts who have enough droopiness to warrant a procedure, but not enough sagging for more invasive mastopexy techniques, such as an inverted-T or vertical lift. It’s also a good fit for women who are worried about scarring, as this procedure leaves a single scar which is largely hidden by the pigment of the areola.
We commonly perform periareolar mastopexy on women with mild or moderate sagging resulting from pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also be a good fit for those with drooping breasts resulting from dramatic weight loss or the effects of ageing. We ask that all patients have a BMI under 30, as it minimises the risks associated with surgery and improves the outcomes.
How long do the results of a periareolar mastopexy last?
The results of a periareolar mastopexy are long lasting. You can typically expect perkier and more youthful breasts for around 10 to 15 years after the procedure. However, during that time, ageing, pregnancy and significant weight changes will still have an effect. That’s why it’s best to have the procedure when your family is complete and you are at a stable weight you are happy with and can maintain.
How long does it take to recover after a periareolar breast lift?
Like any breast surgery, the recovery timeline for periareolar breast lift will vary from person to person depending on individual circumstances. However, recovery is generally quite quick due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure and the relatively small incision size.
Following periareolar breast lift surgery, most patients take at least one week off work before returning to a desk job, though you may need two weeks or more if your role is more physically demanding. You’ll need to wear a supportive post-operative bra for several weeks after the procedure to ensure proper healing and support.
The initial days after your procedure require plenty of rest. You’ll need to sleep on your back and wear your compression bra continuously. Discomfort typically peaks during the first few days, along with some swelling and bruising. Gentle walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but you should avoid lifting your arms above your head and limit yourself to very light household tasks.
Swelling and mild discomfort are normal after the procedure. The swelling typically peaks in the first few days before gradually subsiding over the following weeks. Most of the acute discomfort passes after the first week, though some residual swelling may persist. During the initial healing period, you should avoid exercises that strain the chest muscles or cause breast movement, and protect incisions from direct sunlight.
Most patients achieve full recovery within four to six weeks. With your surgeon’s approval, you can then return to all usual activities, including strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. The full results of your periareolar breast lift become apparent after approximately two months as the breasts settle into their uplifted position. Your surgical team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure optimal results
What are the pros and cons of a periareolar breast lift?
Weighing up the pros and cons of a periareolar breast lift can be a worthwhile exercise, potentially with the help of a trusted friend or family member.
The pros
- The procedure provides a moderate level of lift (typically 2 to 3 cms) with long-lasting results
- It’s minimally invasive compared to other breast lift procedures and only requires a single incision
- Any scarring is almost unnoticeable as it blends in with the natural pigmentation around the areola
- This technique preserves the sensation in the nipple and breast tissue, which can be at risk with other procedures
The cons
- Periareolar mastopexy can impact your ability to breastfeed, which is why it’s best suited to patients who have completed their families
- It may not provide sufficient lift if you have more severe sagging
- Any scarring is almost unnoticeable as it blends in with the natural pigmentation around the areola
- The procedure can cause the areola to stretch or widen over time
Get a safe, affordable and high-quality periareolar breast lift at Enhance Medical
At Enhance Medical, we offer breast lift procedures, including the periareolar mastopexy, at our seven state-of-the-art clinics throughout the country.
As a leading national provider of day-case breast surgery, our surgeons and nursing teams have the experience and specialist expertise to deliver the highest possible standard of personalised care. That includes every step from your initial consultation through to the comprehensive aftercare.
Please call 0800 808 5630 if you have any questions about this procedure or book a free consultation to start your journey.