Houston, TX
Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on July 7th, 2025
Thinking about a breast lift but worried about scars? This is a common concern for anyone considering the procedure. The good news is that top surgeons in Houston use special techniques to help minimize breast lift scars and make them less visible over time. With the right approach, scars can often be hidden or kept to a minimum, leading to a more natural and confident look.
Breast lift surgery leads to scars, but their appearance, size, and location can depend greatly on the technique and care taken during healing.
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, involves removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue. This process requires incisions, and any time the skin is cut, a scar forms as it heals.
Board-certified plastic surgeons carefully plan incisions to shape the breast and support skin tightening. Scarring is a normal part of recovery, but experienced surgeons use precise methods to reduce scarring as much as possible.
The body’s healing response creates scar tissue, which begins as thick and red but usually fades over time. Patients should know that some level of scarring is unavoidable, but in most cases, scars become less noticeable as they mature.
After surgery, scar healing happens in three basic stages:
Scar healing can take 12 to 18 months. Factors like age, skin type, genetics, and how well the incision is cared for will influence the final appearance. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding irritation helps scars fade faster. Some patients use silicone sheets or gels during recovery to further improve the look of scars.
Different breast lift incision types can impact both the shape of the breast and the appearance of scars. A board-certified plastic surgeon will choose the incision based on breast size, skin elasticity, and the patient’s needs, whether the procedure is a breast lift alone, with augmentation, or reduction.
The crescent incision is a less common option that only removes a small, crescent-shaped piece of tissue above the top half of the areola.
This technique is usually used for women who only need a minimal lift. The resulting scar follows the edge of the top half of the areola.
Scarring from a crescent incision is typically faint and often hides well in the natural color difference between the areola and the surrounding skin. However, this method usually doesn’t provide enough support for those with significant sagging. Because the lift is limited, it’s rarely used for larger breast reductions or combined breast augmentation.
The donut incision, also called a periareolar or Benelli incision, involves making a circular cut all the way around the edge of the areola.
This approach removes a ring of skin and can provide a mild to moderate lift, making it suitable for women with mild sagging and good skin elasticity. The scar forms a circle along the areola, which helps it blend in and become less visible over time.
A board-certified plastic surgeon may use this incision when combining a breast lift with breast implants, especially if the patient wants to keep scarring as minimal as possible. With proper care, this type of scar is often very hard to see once healed.
The lollipop incision, also known as vertical or circumvertical, combines a circular incision around the areola with a vertical line running straight down to the breast crease.
This technique helps lift and reshape the breast much more than the donut approach. The resulting scars form a lollipop shape (a circle plus a line) which can be noticeable at first but often fade well with time.
This incision is commonly used for women with moderate sagging who do not need extensive skin removal. It’s also a popular choice for breast lifts combined with smaller augmentations or reductions. Most patients find that lollipop scars become flatter and lighter in color as they heal.
The anchor, or inverted-T, incision is the most extensive technique. It involves three cuts: around the areola, a vertical line down from the areola, and a horizontal line along the breast crease.
This option removes the most loose skin, making it well suited for women with significant sagging, very large breasts, or for those combining a breast lift with a major breast reduction. The resulting scars create an anchor shape, encircling the areola, running vertically down, and following the crease under the breast.
At first, these scars can be quite visible, appearing red or raised. Over time, with proper scar care and the help of a skilled plastic surgeon, they usually fade and flatten.
When it comes to achieving beautiful breast lift results with minimal scarring, Dr. Sam Sukkar’s advanced techniques and surgical precision set him apart. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, Dr. Sukkar prioritizes meticulous planning and refined methods to help patients heal smoothly and confidently.
Dr. Sukkar is known for his delicate and precise approach during surgery. He carefully designs each incision to follow the natural contours of the breast, minimizing visible scarring. Using high-magnification tools and refined instruments, he reduces tissue trauma and protects surrounding structures, two critical steps in achieving fine, barely-there scars.
His gentle handling of skin and soft tissue also lowers the risk of tension and inflammation, which are common causes of thick or raised scarring. Each surgical step is executed with the goal of promoting clean healing and discreet results.
Dr. Sukkar’s suturing technique plays a key role in how the skin heals after surgery. He uses layered closure methods, placing deep internal sutures to support the tissue and relieve tension on the surface. This approach reduces the chances of wide or raised scars.
He typically uses dissolvable sutures beneath the skin’s surface, which helps prevent track marks or bumps. To further protect the incision sites, he may apply silicone sheeting or surgical-grade tape, supporting smooth, flat healing.
Dr. Sukkar customizes every procedure to fit the patient’s anatomy and goals. Whether a patient is a candidate for a periareolar (donut), vertical (lollipop), or full anchor (inverted T) incision, he selects the most effective pattern to deliver lift and shape while keeping scars as discreet as possible.
The outcome of a breast lift surgical procedure depends heavily on the skill and background of the surgeon performing the procedure. Choosing the right specialist can lead to smaller, less visible scars and better, more natural-looking results.
A top breast lift surgeon should have years of experience performing breast procedures. They will have advanced training not only in general surgery but also in plastic and reconstructive surgery, focusing on breast aesthetics.
Many highly-rated Houston surgeons learn and use the newest methods to limit scarring and improve healing. Surgeons who stay updated on new techniques are more likely to achieve results that blend with the patient’s natural anatomy and limit tissue trauma.
A board-certified plastic surgeon meets strict requirements set by medical boards. This means extra years of training, ongoing education, and regular testing. Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery shows that the surgeon understands not just the technical side of surgery, but also how to prevent and manage complications.
Board certification also requires surgeons to work under high standards of safety and ethics. Patients choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for breast lifts in Houston will likely have better care during and after surgery.
Certification is often verified by organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Patients should look up a surgeon’s certification online or ask during a consultation for peace of mind.
Scar massage, silicone sheets, and sun protection can help scars look less noticeable. Silicone-based scar gels and embrace dressings also support healing process and reduce raised or red scars. Avoiding sun on healing incisions is important. Sun exposure can darken scars and make them stand out more.
The surgical method depends on how much lifting is needed. Some of the best Houston surgeons use techniques like the crescent lift and donut lift when possible, as these involve fewer or smaller incisions. More extensive sagging may need anchor or lollipop lifts, which produce larger or more visible scars.
Gentle scar massage usually starts two weeks after surgery. Silicone sheets or gels applied to incisions can reduce redness, swelling, and thickness of scars. Advanced treatments like laser therapy or certain skincare procedures may help if scars are slow to fade. Protecting the area from the sun also helps scars heal more evenly.
Breast lift scars often appear red and raised at first. Over months, they usually become lighter and flatten out. Most people notice scars fading significantly within a year, though some pink or white lines may remain. The speed of healing varies from person to person.
While every breast lift procedure results in some degree of scarring, the visibility and long-term appearance of those scars can be greatly reduced with the right surgeon and recovery approach.
Dr. Sam Sukkar’s refined techniques and personalized care have made him one of Houston’s top choices for patients seeking natural-looking breast lift results with minimal scarring. Through thoughtful incision placement, gentle tissue handling, and advanced suturing methods, Dr. Sukkar helps patients achieve the lifted, youthful look they want, without the lasting marks they fear. With proper post-operative care, most patients can expect their scars to fade into barely noticeable lines over time.
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Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.
Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.
Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.
Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.
Cover Image Credit: Marchsirawit / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.
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