Breast Reduction with or without Liposuction on the sides: Does it make a difference?

I feel that liposuction is an essential part of the breast reduction. Liposuction helps to reduce and refine the breast. Often women requiring a breast reduction will have fullness under the arm around the bra line which is best addressed with liposuction. Even though there is an additional fee, for an aesthetically pleasing result I would suggest having the liposuction. Be sure to consult with a Board Certified surgeon with extensive experience with Breast Reduction Surgery.

I did my post-residency in France where I learned the Lejour reduction technique, AKA Lollipop technique. I have been performing it since 2001. Liposuction is an essential component of the reduction as it allows contouring and shaping of the breasts and will also address the fullness in the outer-upper part of the breasts and the 'bra' rolls. Otherwise, the breasts still have an extension laterally (looking like a 'tire' around the chest) and the upper fullness when wearing strap-less dresses will be quite noticeable. Since I am an aesthetic plastic surgeon, lliposuction is an integral part of my reduction. Hope this helps! Best, Dr. Marc DuPere, plastic Toronto #BreastSurgeon.

There are a some patients who have a fat roll that extends from the side of the breast towards the back ("michelin man") and require liposuction for a good cosmetic result. We often see patients who have small breasts but wear a large cup-size bra to accommodate this back fat.If you do not have this problem, then you do not need liposuction and should consider finding a surgeon who does not charge for a procedure that is not necessary.

If you have lateral chest rolls, it will make a huge difference to have it suctioned. All doctors are different in how they charge for services but if you were in my practice, this is something that I provide (without warranty) from a supine position and if any additional revisions are needed (especially more towards the back), expect to pay a small fee to have it 're-done' in the office under local.

Many patients with large breasts or who may be overweight, have rolls along the lateral chest extending to the back. This is best treated with direct excision or liposuction.

I would generally agree with Dr. Wong's response. Breast reduction is removing breast tissue and repositioning the nipple-areola to the appropriate level. It is not removing fat which is much lighter than breast tissue and causes more cosmetic than functional problems. The breast itself can be liposuctioned but this does not remove breast tissue, can't be considered a reduction mammoplasty, and is limited in the size/shape achieved. Usually the excess contour beyond the outer lateral side of the breast is fat but can be excised along with the breast up to a point in the supine position while undergoing a reduction mammoplasty. Liposuction requires repositioning, is best done separate from excisional procedures, is more of a cosmetic than functional surgery, and can be done in an office setting under local anesthesia (separate from the functional/insurance covered procedure).