Lollipop Breast Lift Cost and Procedure Guide

When breast sagging is dragging your confidence and you want a dramatic but natural lift — without the extensive scarring of an anchor lift — the lollipop lift may strike a balance.¹ Learn how this approach compares to other breast lift options to help you decide if a lollipop breast lift meets your personal goals for breast rejuvenation.

What Is a Lollipop Breast Lift?

A lollipop breast lift, also called a vertical mastopexy, is specifically designed to address moderate breast sagging. The technique restores natural breast contour and nipple position using two incisions: one around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast crease.¹

The “lollipop” pattern enables the surgeon to remove excess skin, reshape the breast and achieve a dramatic lift with less scarring than the anchor technique.¹

Different Types of Breast Sagging

Breast sagging, or ptosis, happens naturally with age due to changes in skin elasticity. The position of your nipples in relation to your under-breast crease — or inframammary fold (IMF) — determines the severity. Surgeons will recommend specific breast lift techniques according to the degree of sagging:²

3 degrees of breast sagging

The different levels of ptosis can be categorized by something called the Regnault classification.²

How Much Does a Lollipop Breast Lift Cost?

The national average cost** of a lollipop breast lift in the United States is $6,016, but it can range from $4,013 to $10,000.³ Costs vary depending on surgeon expertise, surgery complexity, geographic region and facility fees.³

For a more comprehensive result, you may be interested in adding other cosmetic surgeries like a tummy tuck or even a mommy makeover, in which case costs might be significantly higher.

Calculate the cost of a lollipop breast lift near you**

Average cost of a lollipop breast lift by state/district

Here is a detailed breakdown of average costs** for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.³

Does Insurance Cover Lollipop Breast Lifts?

Most health insurance plans consider breast lifts to be elective, cosmetic procedures and therefore won't cover costs. Rare exceptions include cases where breast ptosis causes well-documented physical symptoms, such as back pain or severe skin irritation.⁴

Insurance may cover a breast lift that is part of breast reconstruction (corrective surgery) after cancer treatment.⁵ If you believe your situation qualifies for insurance coverage, detailed medical documentation and pre-authorization are essential.⁴

How Can You Pay for a Lollipop Breast Lift?

There are several ways to pay for a lollipop breast lift, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you'd prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

How a Lollipop Breast Lift Works

From the initial consultation and imaging through surgery day and recovery, understanding the process may help ensure a smooth experience and predictable results.

Preparation

You'll get the ball rolling with a plastic surgery consultation. Your surgeon will assess your breast tissue, skin quality and degree of sagging.⁶

You may receive instructions to stop smoking and to stop certain medications or supplements — aspirin, some herbal products — that may interfere with healing.⁷

Procedure

For the procedure, you may expect some of the following steps:⁸

1. Anesthesia. General anesthesia or intravenous (IV) anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
2. Incisions. Your surgeon will make two incisions: a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the under-breast crease. This forms the “lollipop” shape.
3. Tissue reshaping. The underlying breast tissue gets lifted and reshaped. Once your surgeon removes excess skin, they will lift the nipple/areola complex to a higher, more natural position.
4. Closure. Incisions will be closed with stitches, adhesives and/or surgical tape.

Recovery

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, preparing thoroughly for surgery and committing to careful aftercare can help you achieve more youthful, natural-looking breasts and renewed confidence.

Keep in mind that recovery from cosmetic surgery is a gradual process. That said, most patients may return to daily activities within a couple of weeks and see final results in several months.

Here are a few milestones to take note of:⁹

• First few days. You'll rest (sleeping on your back) with a supportive surgical bra. Discomfort is typically mild and controlled with medication. Light walking is encouraged to boost circulation.
• First week. Discomfort, swelling and bruising should all be lessening. Be sure to attend your follow-up appointment for incision checks.
• Weeks two to four. You may be able to return to non-strenuous activities. It's recommended that you continue to wear a compression bra for support.
• By six months. You're still healing but can resume normal activities. Scars may soften and lighten. Breasts settle into their lifted shape and feel more natural.

A Smart Solution for Moderate Breast Sagging

The lollipop breast lift may be an option for you if you want to address moderate breast ptosis without the more extensive scarring of an anchor lift. It can offer a dramatic improvement in breast shape, firmness and nipple position, with a scar pattern that is generally well-tolerated and can be easily concealed. Talk with your plastic surgeon to find out if this procedure is right for you.

Financing a Lollipop Breast Lift With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a lollipop breast lift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For more than a decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, the National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.