Do I Need to Have Lipo Done (Near Undarms) with the Breast Reduction?

I will be undergoing breast reduction in July. My MD recommends to have lipo done near the armpits. This entails a greater cost (my reduction is covered by medicare) I would like to know if it is really necessary, how bad will the breasts look without the lipo?

Tags:

Comment on this

12 Doctor Answers | Asked by lauramor65 in Montreal, QC

Doctor Answers (12)
Community Comments (0)

Breast Reduction and Upper Chest Tissue

Thank you for the question. Many patients undergoing breast reduction surgery are also concerned about “excess” skin and/or adipose tissue of the upper chest (infraaxillary) area as well. To treat this area liposuction and/or skin excision (lipectomy) may be necessary. If the area is not treated, it may become even more obvious as an area of “fullness” after the breast reduction procedure is performed. If a patient elects to have the excess... more

Liposuction with breast reduction

I am always concerned that liposuction will compromise the healing. Safety is foremost. If a patient wants her bra rolls or axillary folds suctioned, thus can be performed at a later date. Many complaints about the axillary folds come from poorly fitting bras as opposed to an anatomical irregularity. If your surgeon is accepting insurance proceeds, this is a way to make a more reasonable compensation for his hours of work but that should not be a motivation for surgery.

Breast Reduction - Do I Need Axillary Lipo At The Same Time as the Reduction?

Hi lauramor65, It's obviously an aesthetic decision so the first question is how much does that area bother you now? It's often "more complete" to do a little liposuction at the same time as a breast reduction and it may help provide better balance if you're already doing the surgery. It is, of course, difficult to assess your potential benefit from this without seeing a photo or, even better, seeing you in person. I suspect that you would have no... more

Breast Reduction and Liposuction of the Axilla

It is hard to give an opinion without seeing pictures. The area may be more noticeable after breast reduction surgery, so if you can afford it you may be happier with your results. On the other hand, does it bother you now? If it doesn't perhaps you don't need it. It might be wise to get another opinion. see video

Additional contouring with breast reduction

In my experience, it is not necessary to add liposuction to the breast reduction procedure. For many of my patients, this is not an issue; however if this excess tissue really bothers you, then I would consider adding this to the reduction, it does not add a lot of additional time to the procedure, or much in terms of recovery, although there is some additional expense. You can always have the breast reduction surgery, then see how the area looks after 6 months to a year; and if... more

Liposuction During Breast Reduction

I typically will perform liposuction of the lateral extension of breast tissue and/or fat into the axilla. I do not charge additionally for this as I feel it is part of the breast reduction procedure. If you are concerned about the necessity of this or the extra cost involved, you can always obtain a second opinion.

Breast reduction, liposuctio

Liposuction can be part of a breast reduction. This depends on the particular aspects of your breasts and body. Many people do not need this. You will need to find out what you will can for the increasedndiscomfort..

Liposuction with Breast Reduction

Liposuction of the chest lateral to the breast is often desirable to improve the overall aesthetics of your chest. However, it is not mandatory, and you might experiment by drawing your breast together to mimic a breast reduction and seeing whether you are willing to put up with the fullness lateral to the breast. If it is significant, you will want the liposuction. The other benefit of liposuction in this area is to decrease your bra size..

Lipsuction and Breast Reduction

Liposuction at the sides or under the arms in a breast reduction is frequently done to improve the contour of this area. I regard as just part of the surgery and rarely even talk about with my patients. It is just something we do and I do not charge extra for.

Lipo will enhance the result

The use of Liposuction can reduce the length of the incision and give your better result. It is hard to give you better answer without pictures.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction with liposuction

I routinely perform liposuction on all breast reduction patients. I find that almost all patients have lateral fullness of the breast that extends in to the chest area and axilla (underarms). Almost all breast reduction patients will benefit from shaping in this area. I routinely perform this as content of service and do not charge extra as I consider this part of a reduction mammoplasty

Liposuction of underarm area with breast reduction

Liposuction of the underarm area(the sides next to the breast) can improve the aesthetic outcome of the surgery but is rarely a necessity. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and it is dificult to answer the question"how bad will it look without liposuction". The answer is countless numbers of women undergo breast reduction surgery without the additional expense of liposuction and they are happy with the improvement. Look at yourself in the mirror and... more