Where Are The Incisions Placed For A Breast Lift?

North Shore Cosmetic Surgery

April 23, 2026

If you are unhappy with the appearance and position of your breasts, you are certainly not alone. More and more women are turning to cosmetic surgery each year to improve their figures and restore the volume and perkiness of their breasts lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process. While breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgery for women in America, the breast lift is not far behind. In fact, many women choose to have a breast lift performed in conjunction with their breast augmentation to enhance their final results.

If you are considering a breast lift on Long Island, NY, the talented and experienced team at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Romanelli, is here to help. Find out more about the breast lift procedure here, including what to expect, what results are possible, and what incisions are required.

What is a breast lift? 

The breast lift, formally known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the position and contour of the breasts through the removal of excess skin.

Who needs a breast lift? 

Choosing to undergo a breast lift is a personal decision and is most often done for cosmetic reasons. Some complaints that lead women to pursue a breast lift include:

  • Sagging breasts
  • Stretched out breast skin
  • Nipples pointing downward

Oftentimes, sagging or droopy breasts are the results of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the aging process. Another common culprit of sagging breasts is significant weight loss. In many cases, sagging breasts and loss of breast volume, or deflated breasts, go hand in hand. In these cases, a breast lift on its own may be enough to correct the problem. However, some women may require a breast augmentation as well as a breast lift to achieve their desired results.

Will I have scars after a breast lift? 

Arguably the most commonly asked questions when it comes to a breast lift revolve around incisions and scarring. As with any surgical procedure requiring an incision, a resulting scar will be present following a breast lift. The exact location and appearance of your scar(s) will depend on the technique used by the surgeon. The majority of breast lift procedures are performed using the following two incision methods:

  • Lollipop incision: A lollipop lift, sometimes called a vertical keyhole lift, involves an incision around the entire areola and vertically down the center of the lower portion of the breast. The lollipop incision is ideal for women who have a moderate amount of sagging and excess tissue.
  • Anchor incision: In an anchor lift, which is useful for women who have a significant amount of excess skin and droopiness of the breasts, the surgeon will use a lollipop incision with the addition of an incision in the crease under the breasts. This allows the maximum amount of skin to be excised, improving the position of the nipple and breast dramatically.

Regardless of which technique is used, patients should have realistic expectations and understand that they will have scars. However, the scars around the areola are camouflaged almost completely, and the scars in the breast crease are easily concealed with clothing and within a patient’s natural anatomy. The vertical scars down the breasts typically fade, and the knowledgeable team at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery can recommend a variety of topical agents and cosmetic treatments to help reduce their appearance. The vast majority of patients tend to agree that the improvement in their overall look is well worth the scars associated with a breast lift.

Can I combine additional procedures with a breast lift? 

Absolutely! In a large number of cases, patients elect to have additional procedures performed in conjunction with their breast lift in order to enhance their results and achieve the most dramatic transformation possible in a single surgical setting. Combining procedures can also cut down on costly anesthesia and surgical facility fees.

During your initial one-on-one consultation, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev will discuss your concerns and goals at length and create a surgical plan tailored specifically to meet your needs. Some of the procedures commonly performed alongside a breast lift, often as part of a larger mommy makeover surgery, include:

  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast reduction
  • Tummy tuck
  • Liposuction
  • Labiaplasty

I am interested in a breast lift in Long Island, NY. Where do I start?

As with any procedure, and particularly one that results in visible scars, choosing a qualified, talented, and highly experienced surgeon is paramount. The team at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Romanelli, are well-versed in the complexities and nuances of mastopexy and take great care in placing their incisions in a way that will result in the least amount of scarring possible. Call the convenient Melville, NY office to schedule your consultation today, and discover how a breast lift can help restore your youthful figure – and your confidence – in an unbelievably gorgeous way!

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