Do I Need to Have Lipo Done (Near Undarms) with the Breast Reduction?

Question

I will be undergoing breast reduction in July. My MD recommends to have lipo done near the armpits. This entails a greater cost (my reduction is covered by medicare) I would like to know if it is really necessary, how bad will the breasts look without the lipo?

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is hard to give an opinion without seeing pictures. The area may be more noticeable after breast reduction surgery, so if you can afford it you may be happier with your results. On the other hand, does it bother you now? If it doesn't perhaps you don't need it. It might be wise to get another opinion.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Without photos or evaluation, we can not properly guide you. If you are uncomfortable with your surgeon's recommendation, consult with 2 other board certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Many patients undergoing breast reduction surgery are also concerned about &ldquo;excess&rdquo; skin and/or adipose tissue of the upper chest (infraaxillary) area  as well. To treat this area liposuction and/or skin excision (lipectomy)  may be necessary. If the area is not treated, it may become even more obvious as an area of &ldquo;fullness&rdquo; after the breast reduction procedure is performed.

	If a patient elects to have the excess skin in this area removed she should be aware that the scarring of the breast reduction procedure may expand to the side (laterally). Many patients would prefer to have the scar (and an improved contour)  rather than the extra &ldquo;fold&rdquo; of tissue.

	Every patient's situation should be individualized;  discussion with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will be helpful.

	I hope this helps.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I am always concerned that liposuction will compromise the healing.  Safety is foremost.  If a patient wants her bra rolls or axillary folds suctioned, thus can be performed at a later date. Many complaints about the axillary folds come from poorly fitting bras as opposed to an anatomical irregularity.  If your surgeon is accepting insurance proceeds, this is a way to make a more reasonable compensation for his hours of work but that should not be a motivation for surgery.

Jerry Lugger, MD · Answer

In my experience, it is not necessary to add liposuction to the breast reduction procedure. For many of my patients, this is not an issue; however if this excess tissue really bothers you, then I would consider adding this to the reduction, it does not add a lot of additional time to the procedure, or much in terms of recovery, although there is some additional expense. You can always have the breast reduction surgery, then see how the area looks after 6 months to a year; and if it is still an issue; then proceed with the liposuction. I have also added an excision of this tissue when the problem not only is the excess fat but also the redundant skin; in this case the "trade-off" is a rather long scar; but some people are willing to accept this for the improved contour.

David L. Abramson, MD · Answer

Liposuction can be part of a breast reduction. This depends on the particular aspects of your breasts and body. Many people do not need this. You will need to find out what you will can for the increasedndiscomfort..

Hugh McLean, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the chest lateral to the breast is often desirable to improve the overall aesthetics of your chest. However, it is not mandatory, and you might experiment by drawing your breast together to mimic a breast reduction and seeing whether you are willing to put up with the fullness lateral to the breast. If it is significant, you will want the liposuction. The other benefit of liposuction in this area is to decrease your bra size..

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The use of Liposuction can reduce the length of the incision and give your better result. It is hard to give you better answer without pictures.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

I routinely perform liposuction on all breast reduction patients. I find that almost all patients have lateral fullness of the breast that extends in to the chest area and axilla (underarms). Almost all breast reduction patients will benefit from shaping in this area.

	I routinely perform this as content of service and do not charge extra as I consider this part of a reduction mammoplasty

Beverly Friedlander, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the underarm area(the sides next to the breast) can improve the aesthetic outcome of the surgery but is rarely a necessity. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and it is dificult to answer the question"how bad will it look without liposuction". The answer is countless numbers of women undergo breast reduction surgery without the additional expense of liposuction and they are happy with the improvement. Look at yourself in the mirror and decide if the exta tissue on the side of your breasts really bother you. If they do, then consider the liposuction.

Do I Need to Have Lipo Done (Near Undarms) with the Breast Reduction?

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