At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, most cosmetic breast surgeries use one of four main incision patterns: crescent, donut, lollipop, or anchor. The “right” option depends on how much your breasts sag, your skin quality, and how much reshaping you need. During your consult, Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will walk you through which pattern makes the most sense for your body and goals.
Crescent incision: subtle lift with a tiny scar
A crescent incision removes a small, crescent-shaped strip of skin along the top half of the areola. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, this approach is usually reserved for women with very mild sagging, need a breast lift, and is often combined with a breast augmentation. It can:
- Give a subtle lift to the nipple and breast tissue
- Keep the scar camouflaged along the upper edge of the areola
- Work best when only a small amount of nipple elevation is needed and the skin is still fairly firm
The crescent incision typically leaves the least noticeable scar of all the breast lift incision options. Because it’s just a small, curved cut along the upper edge of the areola, the scar usually blends in with the natural color change where the areola meets the surrounding skin. Once healed, it’s generally very minimal and discreet, which is why it’s considered the least extensive cosmetic breast incision.
If you have more noticeable droop or want a more dramatic lift, Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will usually recommend a different incision pattern that can support a stronger, longer-lasting result.
Donut (periareolar) incision: lift and reshape around the areola
With a donut (or periareolar) incision, your surgeon makes a circular cut all the way around the areola. A ring of skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. At our downtown Chicago practice, this option is typically used for mild to moderate sagging and can be paired with breast implants for additional volume. It can:
- Provide a moderate lift and reshaping
- Keep the scar hidden along the areolar border
- Allow Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin to reposition and center the nipple
It’s usually best for women with smaller breasts and limited excess skin. If you have heavier breasts or more significant droop, a donut lift alone may not give enough support or long-term lift, so your surgeon may recommend a lollipop or anchor pattern instead.
Lollipop (vertical) incision: more lift and better shaping
The lollipop incision includes two parts:
- A circle around the areola
- A vertical line from the bottom of the areola down to the breast crease
This pattern is ideal for moderate sagging and for women who need more reshaping than a crescent or donut can provide. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin often use this approach when the goal is a perkier, rounder shape with a natural slope. It allows them to:
- Lift the breast and nipple more significantly
- Reshape the breast cone for a more youthful, supported look
- Remove extra skin while keeping scars limited to around the areola and straight down the front of the breast
The vertical scar is more visible than an all-areolar scar, but it typically fades well over time and is hidden in most bras and swimsuits. Your surgeon will also review scar care instructions to help you heal as smoothly as possible.
Anchor (inverted-T) incision: maximum lift and reshaping
The anchor or inverted-T incision is the most powerful lifting and reshaping option. It includes:
- A circle around the areola
- A vertical line from the areola to the breast crease
- A horizontal line along the breast crease
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, this approach is used for significant sagging, larger or heavier breasts, or when you need substantial skin and tissue removal, such as with a breast reduction. It allows Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin to:
- Remove a large amount of excess skin Lift and reshape the entire breast mound
- Place the nipple and areola back in a more centered, youthful position
The trade-off is more scarring, but these scars are usually hidden in a bra or bikini top. Many of our patients feel the improved shape, comfort, and symmetry are well worth it, especially if they’ve struggled with back pain, rashes, or bra strap grooves from larger, sagging breasts.
Breast Incision Comparison Table
Each incision type is chosen based on the degree of lift required, breast anatomy, and patient goals, allowing for tailored cosmetic outcomes.
| Name | Incision Type | Sagging (Ptosis) | Benefits | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent | Top half of areola | Minimal | Minimal scar, subtle lift | Mild ptosis, augmentation |
| Donut | Around full areola | Mild–moderate | Concealed scar, nipple lift | Mild/moderate ptosis, small breasts |
| Lollipop | Areola + vertical down | Moderate | Greater lift, less scar | Moderate ptosis |
| Anchor | Areola + vertical + crease | Severe | Most reshaping, max lift | Severe ptosis, large breasts |
At your consultation at Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will examine your breast size, degree of sagging, skin quality, and overall goals. From there, they’ll recommend the safest incision pattern that gives you the most natural, balanced, and long-lasting result, while being honest about what each approach can and cannot do.
