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

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

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!