Vertical breast reduction: less scars, better shape

Many women would like to have a Breast reduction to relieve symptoms of back pain, neck pain, or breast pain. Most insurance companies will cover Breast reduction surgery if a certain amount of breast tissue is removed.

If insurance will pay for it, why are many women still reluctant to undergo the procedure? I have asked that question to many patients and referring physicians such as gynecologists. The answer is that although many patients are relieved of symptoms, many are turned off by the large amount of scars (“anchor” or “T” shaped scar) and flattened breast shape after reduction.

The horizontal scar at the bottom of the breast ensures that the breast is spread and flattened over the chest wall. That is represented by the photo on the left above, ‘The Weiss pattern – a long horizontal scar.

The irony is that there is a technique available right now that delivers a shapelier breast with less scars!

The vertical scar technique (or Lollipop scar)

The vertical Scar Technique even looks better on the Operating Room table!

-Dr. Rodriguez

This technique isn’t well known by physicians or patients because not many plastic surgeons are not familiar with it. They are not familiar with it because it is not taught routinely in plastic surgery residency training programs.

I have been doing the vertical scar Breast reduction since 1989, having learned it in Nice, France, from Dr. Claude Lassus, a French plastic surgeon, who is the originator of the technique.

When I left France, I started doing the technique at Yale, where I was a faculty member in the plastic surgery department. I presented the first scientific paper on the technique in the US in 1992 at the 25th anniversary meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Vertical incision is for small and large breasts

Even the few surgeons that do perform the vertical technique it say that it is appropriate only for smaller breasts. Having performed hundreds of these procedures in all types of breasts, large and small, I can state without a doubt that the technique gives better results than the traditional technique.

The reason the vertical technique works so well is because it works like a wire rim bra. A wire rim bra uses the wire base to push the breast tissue from the lower and outer side of the chest to the front of the chest.

Vertical scar tightens the skin envelope , lifts breast

It doesn’t make your breast bigger, it just looks bigger and rounder because it is bunched up in the front of the chest. The vertical scar technique works also by tightening the skin envelope the same way a bra wire does.

A collage of photos showing the different scar techniques.
Traditional Weiss pattern (left) vs. Vertical Scar technique with less scars (right)

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, the following comparison will make things very clear. The photos shown are of patients who have each undergone breast reduction surgery with each one of the techniques.

The patient on the left had the traditional Weiss technique (with a long horizontal scar) and the patient on the right had the vertical scar reduction (single scar).

Which scar would you rather have?

Even on the operating table it is clear that the Vertical Scar Breast Reduction gives less scarring and a better shape!

(originally published October 19, 2008)

By Dr. Ricardo L. Rodriguez MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Cosmeticsurg Baltimore, Maryland Ricardo L. Rodriguez on American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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6 thoughts on “Vertical breast reduction: less scars, better shape”

  • Christine Lattre says:

    I'm 64 years old. 5 feet tall and wear a 36DDD bra. I'd love to have a reduction, as I'm very tired carrying these breasts around!! I don't know if I can find anyone in my area that will do it covered by Medicaid. Thanks for letting me vent.
    • Dr. Ricardo L Rodriguez says:

      Christine: Usually Medical Schools always have programs that accept Medicaid. They will be happy to help you. Look for a Medical school near where you live and ask for the Plastic Surgery Department.
  • Mickey Armstrong says:

    Hello : I am 65 years old leave in MS. Married I search for the libia surgery and found you Dr. Dr. Ricardo L Rodriguez I been have problem with sitting and wear pant it not tie it will brited my libia. My libia not in large it normal. Can you help me
    • Dr. Ricardo L Rodriguez says:

      Mickey: I will let Kelly at kelly@cosmeticsurg.net know of your interest. You can contact her for details.
  • judy cavey says:

    Did i see u before at GBMC about 10yrs ago? I went for a Consultation & wanted a breast reduction , but could not take 6wks off at that time! I see things have changed for the better...time wise! Seem 2 have forgotten , but he was the Chief Surgeon at the time!!! :-) Insurance said they would pay! Blue Cross! I want 2 talk about it again, see my options! I am 42DD & want 2 be a 38d! ????? Ty! Also He took a pic of me from the side! My BF was there, but she forgot also who! lol
    • Dr. Ricardo L Rodriguez says:

      Judy: You can contact Kelly at kelly@cosmeticsurg.net, she'd love to help you. I have my own surgicenter now, but if we are going to do this under insurance coverage, we'll do it at GBMC. And yes, it was me you saw :)