Lollipop Breast Reduction: The Vertical Incision Technique

The lollipop breast reduction, also known as the vertical incision technique, is one of the most popular methods for achieving natural-looking results with minimized scarring. Understanding this technique helps you make an informed decision about your breast reduction options.

What is Lollipop Breast Reduction?

The lollipop technique gets its name from the shape of the incision pattern: a circular incision around the areola connected to a vertical incision running down to the breast crease—resembling a lollipop shape.

Unlike the traditional anchor (wise pattern) technique, the lollipop method eliminates the horizontal incision along the breast fold, resulting in less visible scarring.

The Incision Pattern

Two incision lines:

1. Around the areola - A circular incision at the border of the areola 2. Vertical line - Extending from the bottom of the areola down to the breast crease

This pattern allows the surgeon to remove excess tissue and skin while reshaping the breast into a more lifted, youthful contour.

Ideal Candidates

The lollipop technique is best suited for women who:

• Require moderate tissue removal (not extremely large reductions)
• Have good skin elasticity
• Want to minimize visible scarring
• Prioritize preserving nipple sensation
• May want to breastfeed in the future

Women requiring very large reductions may be better candidates for the wise pattern technique, which allows for more tissue removal.

Advantages of Lollipop Breast Reduction

Less Visible Scarring

Without the horizontal scar along the breast fold, scarring is significantly less noticeable—especially in swimwear and low-cut tops.

Preserved Sensation

The lollipop method is often combined with pedicle techniques that maintain blood supply and nerve connections to the nipple, reducing risk of sensation loss.

Breastfeeding Potential

Because milk ducts often remain intact, many women retain the ability to breastfeed after surgery.

Natural Shape

The vertical technique creates excellent breast projection and a natural, youthful shape.

Shorter Scars

Total scar length is reduced compared to anchor incision methods.

What to Expect

During Surgery

• General anesthesia is used
• Procedure typically takes 2-3 hours
• Excess tissue, fat, and skin are removed
• Nipple and areola are repositioned higher
• Breasts are reshaped and sutured

Recovery

• Week 1: Rest at home, mild to moderate discomfort
• Weeks 2-4: Return to light activities, most return to work
• Weeks 4-6: Gradual increase in activities
• Months 3-6: Final shape emerges as swelling resolves

Results

Most patients see immediate improvement in breast position and size, with final results visible after several months as tissues settle and scars mature.

Lollipop vs. Other Techniques

Combining with Other Procedures

The lollipop technique can be combined with:

• Body contouring liposuction - Removing fat from underarms, back, and ribs for overall upper body sculpting
• Areola reduction - Adjusting areola size for better proportion

Is Lollipop Breast Reduction Right for You?

The best way to determine if the lollipop technique is appropriate for your goals is through consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Factors including breast size, skin quality, and desired outcome all influence which technique will provide optimal results.

A surgeon experienced in multiple breast reduction methods can recommend the approach best suited to your individual anatomy and goals.