Concentric Mastopexy: The Donut Method
For women with smaller breasts that do not droop dramatically, concentric mastopexy is an option.
In some cases, the procedure may only require local anesthesia and a sedative instead of general anesthesia.
Centered on the nipple, concentric circles are drawn and cut out. The donut-shaped skin around the areola is then cut off and the nipple and areola are lifted upwards. When this is done, the breast is then stitched closed and the operation is done.
At times, the skin that is stitched around the nipple can wrinkle because of excess skin. This is similar to pleats on clothes because of extra fabric.
In most patients, this wrinkling will diminish in the weeks following the surgery as the skin conforms to the new contours of the breast. At times, in cases when adaptation of the skin is unlikely, a vertical cut is traced from the nipple down to the base of the breast.
Excess skin is then removed from the newly-cut area. The two ends are then stitched together for tighter skin. Although it sounds complicated and messy, this procedure causes less scarring than other reduction surgery.