The breast lift patterns discussed in this episode are the donut, lollipop and anchor lift. Their names describe the incisions. Choosing a pattern depends on the breast's anatomy and the amount of lifting and reshaping being considered, rather than simply selecting the smallest scar.

In this July 3, 2020 episode of Plastic Surgery: Before and After, board-certified New York City plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD explains breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy. He introduces breast ptosis, or drooping, and the tradeoff between reshaping the breast and accepting permanent scars.

Key takeaways

🔎 A donut lift uses an incision around the areola.

The episode calls this a periareolar or circumareolar mastopexy and discusses it for limited lifting.

🔎 A lollipop lift adds a vertical incision.

This circumvertical pattern extends from the areola down toward the breast fold.

🔎 An anchor lift adds a fold incision.

The inverted-T or Wise pattern includes a horizontal component along the fold beneath the breast.

🔎 Nipple position helps describe drooping.

Dr. Smith explains the relationship between the nipple and the inframammary fold.

🩹 Pregnancy plans and scars belong in the discussion.

Future pregnancy can change the breast again, and a lift leaves scars even when they fade.

💬 Questions answered

Is a mastopexy different from a breast lift?

No. Mastopexy is the medical term for breast lift surgery.

Can I choose a donut lift just to avoid a longer scar?

The episode describes a donut lift as a more limited approach. The incision pattern needs to match the amount of correction being considered; a smaller incision is not automatically the right operation.

Will the scars disappear?

No. Dr. Smith explains that scars can become less noticeable over time, but they are permanent. Their likely position and the shape change you hope to achieve are part of the decision.

🎧 Episode chapters

00:37 — Goals of mastopexy and pregnancy considerations

01:57 — Understanding breast ptosis

02:47 — The donut or periareolar lift

04:11 — The lollipop or circumvertical lift

04:35 — The anchor or inverted-T lift

06:14 — Permanent scars and the shape tradeoff

🔗 Related information

Explore breast lift surgery, breast procedure information, or request a consultation with Dr. Smith in New York City.

About the host — current biography

Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.

Originally released July 3, 2020. Show notes updated September 30, 2026. This is general education. Current recommendations, suitability, risks and expected results require an individual assessment.

Full transcript and related resources