Vertical Incision Breast Reduction Surgery

The vertical incision breast reduction surgery technique, also known as the “short scar” or LeJour breast reduction, typically results in shapelier breasts and less scarring than traditional breast reduction surgery. Vertical incision breast reductions are becoming a popular alternative to the traditional method, especially for women who do not require extensive tissue removal.

Information on Vertical Incision Breast Reductions

In addition to producing less scarring and resulting in a more natural breast shape, vertical incision breast reductions often take less time to perform than standard breast reductions. However, the technique is not for everyone. Below, we have provided information about the vertical incision method to help you decide if this method of breast reduction surgery is right for you.

Incision Locations

Incisions extend around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, making what is sometimes called a “lollipop” pattern. Vertical incision breast reductions eliminate the need for the horizontal incision along the breast crease that is used in traditional breast reduction surgery, resulting in much less scarring. The scarring that results is easily hidden by swimming suits and even low cut tops.

Advantages

Vertical incision breast reduction surgery results in less scarring, is less invasive, and is much less disruptive to the glandular tissue of the breast than the traditional procedure. Surgery time is shorter as well, and the procedure can usually be performed with less anesthesia than more conventional methods. Vertical incision breast reductions also typically result in breasts that are rounder and fuller than those that have been reduced through traditional breast reduction surgery.

Because vertical incision breast reductions are usually performed on women who require only a moderate amount of volume to be removed, the pedicle method of repositioning the nipple can be used. This method allows the nipple to remain attached to a pedicle, or strip, of tissue, keeping most blood vessels and milk ducts intact. This reduces the risk of permanent sensation loss to the nipple and surrounding skin, and increases the chance that breast feeding ability will be preserved.

Disadvantages

Even though vertical incision breast reductions result in less scarring than traditional methods, it is important to remember that the scars will be permanent. Patients who undergo vertical incision breast reductions should also be prepared for their breasts to appear wrinkled and lumpy for several months following surgery. Excess skin is not removed during the vertical incision procedure; instead, it is pleated up and must shrink, tighten, and smooth out over time. In comparison, traditional breast reduction surgery produces smooth results after only a month because the excess skin is actually removed.

Eliminating the horizontal incision makes vertical incision breast reductions more complex and challenging than traditional breast reductions, and may not allow surgeons to remove an adequate amount of skin and tissue during the procedure. This is one reason why the technique is typically not used for women with extremely large breasts requiring extensive tissue removal. When the vertical incision method is selected for this type of case, the nipple may need to be completely removed during relocation, increasing the risk of sensation loss and interference with breast feeding ability. For many patients, however, the results of breast reduction surgery outweigh these and other potential breast reduction risks.

Ideal Candidates

Women with moderate-to-large breasts are the ideal candidates for vertical incision breast reductions. Vertical incision breast reduction surgery may not be a good choice for women requiring the removal of excessive amounts of fat and breast tissue.

In general, the ideal breast reduction surgery candidate should want to alleviate discomfort caused by excessively large breasts and have realistic expectations about the surgery, regardless of which surgical technique is selected. It is suggested that women wait to have a breast reduction until after the breasts have stopped growing and they are finished having children. Even though the vertical incision method typically preserves breast feeding ability, there is still a slight risk that it will be compromised.

Connect with a Cosmetic Surgeon through DocShop

To determine if you are a candidate for vertical incision breast reduction surgery, speak with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Visit DocShop’s online directory of surgeons across the United States to find a surgeon in your area who is experienced at performing vertical incision breast reductions.