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

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.

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