Can liposuction be used to reduce breast size as an alternative to a traditional breast reduction?

Question

As an alternative to a traditional breast reduction can liposuction be done to reduce breast size? If so how many cup sizes can this procedure reduce?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Breast liposuction has been used for breast reduction for many years. But you need skin with good elasticity and you can’t be excessively droopy for it to get the best results

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question on the use of liposuction as an alternative method for breast size reduction.
Indeed, liposuction can be a tool for breast size reduction. It primarily targets and removes fatty tissue in the breast. If your breasts predominantly consist of fat, liposuction can potentially reduce their size. In some cases, it might be possible to decrease by a few cup sizes using this method.
However, it's essential to note that liposuction does not address glandular breast tissue, which is firmer. Thus, if your breasts have a significant amount of glandular tissue, they might not be as responsive to liposuction alone.
One of the significant concerns post-liposuction is the skin's ability to retract. Unlike a traditional breast reduction that also involves lifting the breast, liposuction solely reduces its size without providing any lift. This could lead to sagging breasts post-procedure.
For a subtle reduction or targeting localized fatty areas, liposuction might be appropriate. Yet, if you desire a more pronounced size reduction and want to maintain an uplifted contour, a combined traditional breast reduction with a lift might be more suitable.
I trust this information clarifies the possibilities and limitations of using liposuction for breast reduction. Best wishes with your decision and potential procedure.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

There are some situations that have to be met when considering liposuction for breast reduction. The anticipated reduction cannot be too large and volume. There must be good skin tone. And much of the volume to be removed needs to be fat, and not breast tissue. Liposuction will usually remove very little or no rubbery, hard breast tissue.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The breast has 2 types of tissue: fat tissue, which can be liposucted and breast parenchyma, which cannot be liposucted. Depending on how much fat and parenchyma you have, the breasts may not be able to be reduced. Also, if the breasts are reduced significantly the skin will hang. That is why surgical excision is required.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, liposuction is a surgical option to achieve a breast reduction. We perform this procedure in the office with the patient safely awake and relaxed on oral medication. The breasts are completely numbed with freshly mixed local anesthesia. I find that the reduction of 1-2 cup sizes is the typical goal of the patients and this is accomplished by removing 200-400 cc of tissue from each breast. A very important thing to consider is the aesthetic outcome. Approaching the breasts with liposuction only, leaving the breasts more deflated. There won't be a lift with a liposuction only approach. So as long as you're looking for pure volume reduction and are not concerned about the position of your breasts, then a liposuction approach may be a good option for you. We can show you some before and after photos in the office.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction can be used to downsize the breasts in some instances.  The breasts have two types of tissue- one which is conducive to liposuction and one that is not. The makeup of a particular patient's breast tissue will determine if they are a candidate for liposuction.  Another consideration is excess skin.  Liposuction will not address this nor lift the breasts.  This is why in most cases a standard breast reduction is the recommended way to address this concern.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, liposuction can be done to remove the excess fat in breasts. However, it does not remove actual breast tissue. In young women who are not overweight but have large breasts, liposuction may be very limited in how much fat can be removed. In women who are overweight and have large breasts, liposuction can be very helpful in reducing breast size. Once we reach early-mid 40's, the fat content of our breast increases because of hormonal changes, and liposuction can be very helpful, even in women of normal weight. It is very helpful in those who have passed menopause. An examination can tell how effective liposuction will be for you.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The proper breast reduction removes both skin fat and breast tissue. You can make breasts smaller with Liposuction, but without removing skin, the breast will have an overly large skin envelope and will droop more.
The amount of fat that can be removed, varies from person to person based on a number of different variables.
It does not leave aesthetically desirable results so most people also add skin reduction to create a better looking breast.
Good luck,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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