Understanding the Different Incision Types for a Breast Lift

The success of a body contouring procedure often relies on the surgical plan’s ability to balance effective tissue repositioning with the most discreet scarring possible. Breast lift surgery in Riyadh(عملية رفع الثدي في الرياض) has seen a significant evolution in technique, with modern practitioners prioritizing individualized incision patterns that cater to a patient's specific degree of skin laxity and anatomical goals. In the advanced medical centers of the Saudi capital in 2026, the discussion around incision types is no longer just about the surgery itself, but about the long-term aesthetic outcome and the patient's comfort in her own skin. Understanding the differences between these incision types is essential for any woman looking to restore her silhouette, as the chosen method dictates how the internal tissue is reshaped and where the final marks will reside.

The Crescent Lift: Subtle Elevation

The Crescent incision is the most conservative approach available in modern mastopexy. It is designed for women who require a very minor adjustment to the height of their breasts.

• The Technique: A small, crescent-shaped piece of skin is removed from the upper half of the areola. When the edges are brought together, the nipple is pulled slightly upward.

• The Benefit: This method results in the least amount of scarring, as the incision is tucked along the natural border of the areola (the periareolar line).

• Ideal Candidate: Often used for women with Grade I ptosis (minimal sagging) or as an adjunctive procedure during a breast augmentation to provide a subtle "perkiness."

The Peri-Areolar (Donut) Lift: Moderate Correction

The "Donut" lift, or circumareolar mastopexy, allows for a more comprehensive repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex than the crescent lift.

• The Technique: Two circular incisions are made—one around the areola and another a few centimeters wider. The "donut-shaped" ring of skin between them is removed, and the skin is tightened around the areola.

• The Benefit: This technique is excellent for reducing the size of an enlarged areola while providing a moderate lift. The scar is entirely confined to the edge of the areola, making it very discreet once fully healed.

• Ideal Candidate: Women with mild to moderate sagging who also wish to address areola size.

The Vertical (Lollipop) Lift: The Modern Gold Standard

The Vertical lift is currently the most popular incision type in Riyadh’s aesthetic clinics due to its versatility and the beautiful, rounded shape it creates.

• The Technique: This involves two incisions: one around the areola and one that runs vertically from the bottom of the areola down to the breast crease (the inframammary fold).

• The Benefit: The "Lollipop" incision allows the surgeon to remove significant amounts of excess skin and to reshape the internal glandular tissue thoroughly. It provides a more dramatic lift and better projection than the circular methods.

• Ideal Candidate: Women with moderate ptosis who want a significant change in shape and height without the horizontal scar of the anchor lift.

The Inverted-T (Anchor) Lift: Maximum Transformation

For cases of advanced sagging, the Anchor lift remains the most effective surgical tool to achieve a total reset of the breast mound.

• The Technique: This pattern includes three incisions: one around the areola, one vertically down to the crease, and a final horizontal incision along the natural fold under the breast.

• The Benefit: While it involves the most extensive incision work, it provides the surgeon with the maximum degree of control. It allows for the removal of large amounts of skin and the most dramatic repositioning of the breast tissue.

• Ideal Candidate: Women with Grade III ptosis, often following significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies, where the maximum lift is required.

Comparison of Incision Patterns

Post-Operative Scar Management in 2026

In Riyadh's climate, where skin health is a priority, surgeons emphasize a rigorous post-operative protocol to ensure incisions heal beautifully. This includes the use of medical-grade silicone strips, avoiding sun exposure on the chest area for at least twelve months, and utilizing advanced laser resurfacing if necessary to minimize the appearance of scars. By matching the right incision type to the patient's unique anatomy, surgeons are able to deliver results that are both transformative and elegant.