Short Scar Breast Lift and Breast Reduction
Short scar breast lift and reduction surgery is also known as vertical breast lift and vertical reduction as there is only a vertical scar. The more commonly performed techniques produce the vertical scar as well as a horizontal scar that runs in the fold underneath the breast (inverted T-scar). All reduction and lifting techniques leave a scar around the areola (the pink, tan, or brown skin around the nipple) if the nipple is lifted on the breast.
What are the advantages of the vertical technique over the more commonly types of lifts and reductions?
Vertical breast lifts and reductions produce shorter scars- that’s a good thing!
Secondly, the heavier lower part of the breast is removed in a vertical reduction. In a vertical lift it is shifted into the upper part of the breast where it acts like a natural breast implant. This can help restore lost upper breast fullness.
In the vertical techniques, the removal of breast tissue from the lower part of the breast creates a void that is filled by bringing the inner and outer parts of the breast together in the midline. This maneuver narrows the breast width and cones the breast, thereby making it perkier.
As a visual for how this works, take a paper circle, cut out a pie shape, then tape the edges together. Vertical lifting can potentially produce longer lasting results, however longer lasting does not mean forever.
Dr. Tavin has been performing short scar breast surgery since 2000 and uses the vertical techniques for 70% of his breast reduction procedures and more than 90% of his breast lifts. There have been instances where women whose breasts are too large or too droopy to be candidates for the shorter scar surgery can still have the traditional inverted T technique performed.
Breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance if the company’s criteria are met. A breast lift is always cosmetic (and not covered by insurance) unless performed to match the other side in breast cancer reconstruction.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
34-year-old woman. 5′ 136 lbs. No children. 34-EE. medial pedicle reduction with vertical scar. Removed 540 grams from the right breast, and 690 grams from the left. Currently wearing 34-D bra. Photos taken 7 months postoperative.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
39-year-old woman. 5’2″ 130 lbs. 32-DD. One child. Vertical glandular mastopexy. Intermediate photo taken 2 days postoperative. Final photos taken 3 years postoperative.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*
27-year-old woman, 5′ 172 lbs. 38-F. Vertical Medial pedicle. 495 grams removed on the right, and 469 grams from the left. One month postoperative she developed an infection in the right breast. This was treated in the office by incision and drainage, along with oral antibiotics. Photos taken 6 months following her last procedure.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed*