Breast reduction is a surgery that many women are choosing nowadays for different reasons. Some women use them because they have very large breasts that are resulting in poor posture, back pain, and neck pain. Some women don’t like the way that their large breasts look, and they can make it difficult to choose clothing and feel good about oneself.
Luckily, there are some different breast reduction procedures that can be performed by a reputable cosmetic surgeon which will increase comfort while also improving the appearance of the breasts. Two reduction techniques include the lollipop incision and the anchor incision. Let’s take a look at how they differ.
Difference Between the Anchor Incision and Lollipop Incision
When an anchor reduction procedure is performed, an incision is created around the nipple. From there, a vertical incision will go down along the fold underneath the breast. It essentially looks like an anchor shape.
Another option is the lollipop reduction incision. This is also considered a vertical breast reduction. This incision goes around the nipple and also goes down the breast vertically to the bottom crease.
When Should You Choose the Anchor Reduction Technique Over the Lollipop Technique?
There are a few different factors that will be taken into consideration when a surgeon is making a recommendation for a specific type of breast reduction incision. When very large breasts are being reduced (over 500 to 600 grams), the anchor reduction technique will be more effective. The lollipop reduction process is more common for smaller breasts that are anywhere between 300 and 500 grams. Though, decisions are made on a case-by-case situation. An examination will help determine the outcome of both procedure options. Scarring is also something that can be discussed.
Lollipop vs Anchor Breast Reduction
When you talk with your surgeon about these two procedures, there are some specific differences that you’ll be made aware of which will help you determine which method to choose. Let’s look at some of these differences.
Advantages
A lollipop reduction may take a little bit more time to perform and heal from, but the end result is a very full and beautiful breast area. The anchor reduction requires a little less time under anesthesia, and you’ll also see your results in a shorter amount of time. It’s beneficial to have these two procedures as options for your breast reduction. Depending on which one you’re a candidate for, they provide you with a very safe and effective method of reducing the size of your breasts so you can feel more comfortable and confident with your body.
Limitations
There are some patients that will not be a candidate for a lollipop breast reduction. This will be impacted by the amount of skin that is present compared to the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed. A smaller incision doesn’t allow for the removal of very much skin, and the end result wouldn’t be that attractive. Anchor incisions have similar restrictions, but there’s a little more room to work with. Anchor incisions are optimal for women that have a lot of skin, and their breasts hang low.
Potential Risks
There is always a risk with having surgery performed and being put under anesthesia, but the risk of both of these procedures isn’t really different from one another. As far as long-term risks and results are concerned, you can expect the breasts to sag a bit after about five to ten years once the procedure has been performed. Gaining weight and losing weight can also impact the shape and size of the breasts.
If you have not yet children but want to leave the possibility on the table, both of these techniques can prevent you from being able to breastfeed. The lollipop incision only requires two incisions, which can decrease the potential for the area to open back up, but there is still a risk.
Recovery Time
The recovery time is the same for both the anchor and lollipop reductions. However, they are both pretty straightforward procedures to heal from. Since a breast reduction is often a result of unpleasant symptoms like neck and back pain, the instantaneous relief that many women feel once their procedure is over largely outweighing any recovery discomforts.
It’s recommended that you get back on your feet the next day after your procedure is over. This will reduce your risk of blood clots. Moving forward, you’ll need to take it easy. You can start to do things like cook dinner and wash the dishes but working out and doing heavy lifting is something you’ll need to avoid for about six weeks.
Surgery Results
When you have a lollipop reduction performed, the breasts tend to look like they are higher up on the chest. They will drop, but this will take about one month or so. The anchor breast reduction can make your breasts look square-shaped at first. Once the swelling goes down, they’ll look much rounder and fuller. It takes about three weeks to notice the swelling going down. It’s recommended that you wait two full months before you determine what your new bra size will be.
If you would like more information on the lollipop and anchor breast reduction surgeries, reach out to our team here at Boutinic Aesthetics. We can answer any questions you have, as well as bring you in for a consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
