What are the benefits and risks associated with liposuction to the breasts?

Question

I am considering liposuction for the breast area. After liposuction to the abdominal area, I gained a few pounds and it all seems to have gone to my breasts. Does anyone have experience with this? What are the benefits/risks? If this commonly done?

Afet Oncel Bozkurt, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello, not directly to breasts, but it is common to make liposuction to sides if there is too much fat in the breast sides. It is quite helpful in shaping the upper body

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the breast area is an option for reducing volume, particularly if the breasts are composed mostly of fatty tissue. It’s less invasive than surgical breast reduction and results in smaller scars, but it may not address sagging or glandular tissue. Weight gain after abdominal lipo can redistribute fat to other areas like the breasts, which is not uncommon. A consultation will help determine if breast liposuction is appropriate based on your tissue type and goals. 
Erman AK, Dr. MD, Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul.Thank you for your question.Liposuction to the breasts has some benefits when the breast skin is firm and the amount of liposuction is not huge.The risk is about the sagging after liposuction, when the amount of liposuction is more and if the skin is not elastic, you may experience sagging.Liposuction is sometimes can be combined with reduction and lifting surgeries to make it easier technically.We need to see you photos to tell you more.Best luck

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Liposuction to the breasts can be an effective option for those looking to reduce breast size, especially when the breasts contain a significant amount of fatty tissue. The main benefits include smaller incisions, which result in reduced scarring, a quicker recovery time, and a smoother reduction in breast size while maintaining the natural breast shape. 
However, there are risks and limitations. Liposuction is not suitable for all patients, especially those with dense or glandular breast tissue, as it only removes fat. It also does not address issues like breast sagging or skin laxity, and the procedure may lead to uneven fat removal, which can cause contour irregularities such as asymmetry or dimpling. There's also a risk of complications like bruising, swelling, or infection. The results may not be as dramatic as traditional breast reduction surgery, and there is a possibility of skin laxity if the skin doesn’t retract properly (resulting in dropping/sagging). Additionally, if weight is gained after the procedure, the remaining fat cells in the breasts could expand, potentially reversing some of the results. In my practice, liposuction is often used as an adjunct procedure during breast reduction surgery to address the pre-axillary area and the lateral chest wall, to improve overall contour. For the best outcome, it is crucial to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgery to assess if liposuction is the right choice based on individual anatomy and goals. 
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. Liposuction works well for moderate breast reductions especially for those whose breasts have larger proportion of fat to glandular tissue. I can usually get one cup size reduction for younger patients and more for older individuals.  The recovery is quick and there are no significant cuts but there is no lifting of the breasts . Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeons who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

It isn't very common to do breast liposuction.  If you remove fat from the breasts with liposuction, there is a possibility that the the breasts may become a little more deflated and saggy.  Of course, the more that is removed, the more likelihood of having this.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You did not specify your age, ethnicity, size of breasts. As a woman gets older, there's more fat replacement in the breasts and shrinkage of the breast tissue, generally. If the breasts are soft and fatty in nature (can be seen even on a mammogram) liposuction will work well. I also like to contour the lateral chest wall to remove this lateral breast roll as well. The down side of only liposuction for breast reduction is that it can be limited volume reduction if the breasts are glandular or if very fatty, might end up with flattened saggy breasts. In my experience, often a combination of breast reduction/lift with liposuction will give the best outcomes. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Mustafa Aydinol, MD · Answer

Liposuction for breast reduction can be done by considering:
1- The risk of ending up with saggy skin: If the amount of the fat that is going to be removed is little then it will not be a problem.
2- The thickness of the fat layer: If the fat layer is thin and the breast tissue (glandular tissue which is not fat) is thick, liposuction will not work.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction works nicely in removing excess fat, even in breasts. However, breast tissue itself is not removed. For women over 40, the composition of the breasts changes and more fat is present. Liposuction then works better. Liposuction is much less painful and risky then the breast reduction surgery and has small incisions.  However, there is no life done with liposuction. minimally invasive radiofrequency treatments like Renuvion can be added to liposuction to help tighten the excess skin.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Liposuction to the breasts is a procedure designed to reduce breast size by removing excess fat. It can be a less invasive alternative to traditional breast reduction surgery for select patients, particularly those with fatty breast tissue. Here are the benefits and risks associated with this procedure:
Benefits of Breast Liposuction
1.	Minimally Invasive
o	Smaller incisions compared to traditional breast reduction, leading to reduced scarring.
o	Lower risk of complications like infections or wound healing issues.
2.	Natural-Looking Results
o	Smooth reduction in breast size while maintaining the natural shape of the breasts.
3.	Faster Recovery
o	Less downtime and quicker return to daily activities compared to traditional methods.
4.	Reduced Pain and Discomfort
o	Minimizes symptoms like back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by large breasts.
5.	Preservation of Breast Function
o	No interference with mammary glands or ducts, preserving the ability to breastfeed in the future.
Risks and Limitations of Breast Liposuction
1.	Not Suitable for All Patients
o	Ineffective for patients with dense or glandular breast tissue since liposuction only removes fat.
o	Limited lifting effect, so it doesn’t address sagging or stretched skin.
2.	Contour Irregularities
o	Risk of uneven fat removal, leading to asymmetry or dimpling.
3.	Skin Laxity
o	Without skin tightening, loose skin may remain if the skin does not retract properly after fat removal.
4.	Potential Complications
o	Bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness in the treated area.
o	Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or seroma (fluid accumulation).
5.	Incomplete Results
o	Results may be less dramatic compared to traditional breast reduction surgery.
6.	Uncertain Outcomes
o	Fat removal is permanent, but weight gain in the future could cause remaining fat cells in the breasts to expand.
Considerations
•	Ideal Candidates: Women with overly large breasts primarily composed of fatty tissue, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations.
•	Consultation: Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate if liposuction is the right option for your goals and anatomy.

What are the benefits and risks associated with liposuction to the breasts?

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