What is it and why was this recommended to me?

The Benelli Breast Lift (a.k.a. Mini lift, Tacking, Donut Mastopexy) is one of the most common breast augmentation add-ons that we see at Capizzi MD Cosmetic Surgery & Med Spa. The name comes from Dr. Louis Benelli, an Italian Plastic Surgeon that pioneered a breast lift with minimal incisions disguised around the areola.

First, let’s talk about our nipple complex, which includes both the nipple and the areola. An areola is the pigmented area around the nipple that can change size and shape over the course of our lives. Usually this is seen with hormonal changes such as pregnancy but can also be seen with weight gain or weight loss. A Benelli lift only affects the areola, and not the nipple itself.

Oftentimes when a patient inquires about a breast augmentation for improving volume with the placement of breast implants, there may be more services required to achieve their ideal results. This procedure is Dr. Capizzi’s go-to for slightly relaxed skin when he is also placing breast implants.

Most often, this is where a Mini Lift is used:

  1. To reduce the size of the areola so that the addition of volume does not also emphasize the size of the areola. The last thing a patient desires is an areola that is hanging off of a perky implant.
  2. To realign an areola to be pointing straight ahead. This applies when a nipple may be slightly off center.
  3. Small amount of tightening of the breast skin and small removal of excess tissue.

On this patient you will see the markings around the areola to indicate where a mini lift will re-center their right nipple and address their concerns.

The incision for a Benelli Breast Lift is located in the circle around the areola.

Pre-surgery markings on breasts for a Benelli Breast Lift.

On this patient you will see the markings around the areola to indicate where a mini lift will re-center their right nipple and address their concerns.

The procedure is nicknamed a “donut lift” for that very reason. To do this, Dr. Capizzi starts by making an incision around the outside of the areola. Next, he removes excess tissue and the nipple areola complex moves 1-2 cm up or down. It is held in position with a “drawstring” stitching technique. It is common for the incision to have a ruched appearance in early healing.

This is the result immediately after completing a mini lift, notice the ruched areas around the areolas. This is done with dissolvable sutures that will dissolve as the skin heals. Patients can expect the incision to heal flat and the crunched appearance to smooth over four weeks.

Post-surgery of breasts after a Benelli Breast Lift.

This is the result immediately after completing a mini lift, notice the ruched areas around the areolas. This is done with dissolvable sutures that will dissolve as the skin heals. Patients can expect the incision to heal flat and the crunched appearance to smooth over four weeks.

As healing progresses, patients notice that the ruched appearance smoothes within the first four weeks after surgery and the incision around the areola becomes a faint seam. At Capizzi MD, we use our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) practices to ensure that scars heal flat and lose any pigmentation they may have within the first year after surgery. This involves using a silicone scar gel daily, and the option of laser treatments to reduce appearance and pigmentation if needed. As the incisions are hidden in the natural form of the areola, most patients do not notice them at all after healing is complete.

Benelli Breast Lift 6 Months after surgery

Showing fully healed mini lift incision 6 months after surgery.

Will this affect my nipple sensation or look?

Your nipple (the protruding organ in the center of your areola) will not be touched at all. The areola will be slightly reduced in size, or moved to a more desirable location depending on your needs. This procedure typically does not affect sensation or the ability to breastfeed.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for a Benelli Breast Lift?

It is the relationship of the size of the implant, the amount of skin, and degree of laxity (sagging) determine if this procedure is a good fit. There are also the moderate and full lift options if a mini lift cannot address your needs. Your surgeon should recommend the correct lift during a consultation, and fully discuss why they believe this is the best fit for your scenario.

Do I need to have implants to have a breast lift?

A Benelli Breast Lift is the perfect solution for patients looking to create moderate firming, lifting, and shaping of the breasts without adding additional breast volume – of course, if more volume is something the patient is interested in, the introduction of implants would further accentuate and complement this type of lift. Any lift can be completed on its own, or in combination with implant placement or fat grafting for added volume.

The Benelli lift is excellent for shaping while being minimally invasive, for increasing breast symmetry while decreasing size, and for producing results that accomplish the patients’ aesthetic goals so they can look fabulous and feel confident in their everyday life.

Why choose Dr. Capizzi for my breast lift?

Dr. Peter Capizzi is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Known as the “Best in Breast” surgeon on the East Coast, he has dedicated his career to breast and body surgeries of all kinds. In any given month he assists scores of patients in achieving their dreams and along their journey to their best selves.

Home to a fully accredited operating suite, the Capizzi MD office is where all our surgeries take place. This gives patients peace of mind that our facilities are top-notch and our grade-A surgery team has been hand picked for these cosmetic procedures.

If you’re not sure, a consultation is the best place to start! Give our office a call to chat with a member of our Patient Care team. We can assist you in giving you a ballpark price and idea of what services you will need ahead of an appointment, that way you can know what to expect and come ready to talk about your dreams with Dr. Capizzi and his surgical team.

Give our office a call at 704-655-8988 if you’d like to schedule a consultation or chat with one of our lovely staff members. We look forward to meeting you!