What Is a Donut Mastopexy?

A mastopexy is a type of cosmetic surgery commonly known as a breast lift. This is different from a breast augmentation in that no implants are inserted. The goal of mastopexy is not to make breasts larger, but to reduce sagging and change breast shape. Mastopexy can be done along with an augmentation, but the two are different procedures.

Technique

• A donut mastopexy is also known as a Benelli, circumareolar or concentric mastopexy. It involves removing skin from around the areola, in a ring (or donut) shape. The skin is then sutured back together and drawn tight, resulting in a tighter fit of the skin around the breast tissue. The product is a firmer 'lifted' breast; not larger, but more shapely and youthful.

Advantages

• A donut mastopexy has the advantage of usually having minimal scarring. The scar is in the shape of a ring around the areola, another reason for the name "donut mastopexy."

Other Uses

• A donut mastopexy can also be used to reduce the size of the areolas, or reshape them if they protrude more than is desired. In addition, areolas that are asymmetrical or with downward pointing nipples can be corrected by this procedure.

Who is a Candidate?

• The donut mastectomy procedure is recommended for smaller-breasted women who have minor sagging due to normal aging and gravity, or other factors such as breastfeeding. Even after the procedure, normal factors will continue to produce sagging, and this or another similar procedure may have to be performed to maintain desired breast shape.

Other Mastopexies

• Women with larger breasts or a greater degree of sagging may need different forms of mastopexy, such as a vertical or "lollipop" mastopexy, where the incision is around the areola with an additional vertical incision, or the Wise or "anchor" mastopexy, where an anchor-shaped incision is made.

Risks

• Mastopexy is a surgical procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia, and is not without risk. Aside from the normal surgical complications, a loss of feeling in the breast and especially the nipple is a possible complication. The loss is sometimes temporary, but can also be permanent.