The length of incisions for a breast lift completely depends on the amount of breast lift needed. The circumareolar lift only provides about a 2 cm to 2.5cm (about an inch) ofbreast lift. Beyond about an inch there is more puckering of the incisions and flattening of the breast mound and pulling on the areola leading to an ineffective lift.
If there is more than a 2 cm lift needed, the next option is the lollipop incision, and for significant lifting or excess skin of the breast the full anchor incision is used.