Is liposuction necessary for breast reduction?

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in breast reductions to determine what is best for you and your goals.
Breast reduction is one of my favorite surgeries as it allows me to dramatically improve a woman’s breast appearance as well as alleviate many physical symptoms of large breasts, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, and rashes under the breasts. When I perform breast reduction surgery, I generally use a superomedial pedicle to provide blood supply to the nipple while maintaining fullness in the upper and inner breast. Excess lower and outer breast tissue are removed. Breasts are often asymmetrical, so I remove more tissue from the larger breast. The final scar pattern is a circle around the areola, down the breast, and possibly under the breast, depending on the degree of skin excess.
For me, breast reduction is not a one-size-fits-all surgery. The size and shape of the breasts are customized to each patient depending on her goals and desires. Some women want a significant amount of tissue removed while others prefer to have a more limited reduction. Regardless of the amount of tissue removal, I perform the maximum safe amount of lifting and tightening for each patient.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Reductions. - Dr. Cohen

The breast reduction can be approved by insurance, and cosmetic surgery can be combined in addition to get a break on anesthesia and facility fees.  This is not impossible and is done frequently.   Axillary breast tissue removal is difficult with liposuction alone.  The tissue, however, may be fat, which, of course, is amenable to liposuction. Perhaps you can consult with your friend's PS and compare costs, results, etc.

While liposuction is not "necessary" to perform a breast reduction, it is often recommended to improve the result in the axillary area.     Understand what the benefits are, and, if you are bothered by the area, you can always have that done later. 

You do not have to have liposuction with your breast reduction, some surgeons charge extra and some do not. If you don't have it done, you can always opt to do it in the future. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for your question.
It is impossible to give you opinion without seeing your photographs. If liposuction is required it can be done with Breast Reduction or later on. You can discuss the cost issues with your surgeon. All The Best !

It is not necessary to have liposuction during a breast reduction. Sometimes I will offer liposuction to my breast reduction patients who are also concerned about excess fat in the pre-axillary regions (between armpit and breast) and/or the bra roll regions. Best of luck to you! You'll likely be very pleased with your breast reduction results. 

It is not “necessary” to do liposuction with a breast reduction.  However liposuction can often give a better overall appearance by contouring the tissues around the breasts. Sometimes after the breasts are lifted and reduced with a breast reduction, the surrounding areas seem more prominent.   Insurance does not cover liposuction so this is often an added expense for patients. In many cases surgeons will give a discounted fee for liposuction of these areas because the patient is already under anesthesia. It generally cost more to have the procedure done afterwards as a stand-alone liposuction procedure.  Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes to you.

Dear sgrace95,
Breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi and welcome to our forum!Breast reduction does not involve the use of a liposuction machine, the disposable canisters / associated tubing to collect fat, the preparation and sterilization of liposuction cannulas and associated equipment as well as the extra time (and therefore cost) required in the operating room. The anesthesiologist usually charges by the length of the procedure as well ( and documents the length of each portion of the procedure). Your insurance carrier would most likely exclude the portion of the procedure dedicated to the liposuction unless it is preauthorized. A breast reduction can be performed alone. We are not aware of your anatomy. If your chest roll is of concern, it can be treated at the same time as the breast reduction or at a later date. Discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

  Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Liposuction during breast reduction surgery is not necessary but may be helpful when it comes to improving contour of the "rolls" you describe. Practices will vary; some practices will charge extra for the liposuction surgery, some do not. In my practice, I use liposuction surgery as a tool;  patients are not charged additionally. Best wishes.