Is liposuction common practice for a breast reduction?

Liposuction can indeed be used to reduce breast size, but it is less commonly employed as the primary method for breast reduction. It is most effective for women with a higher proportion of fatty tissue in their breasts, as liposuction targets fat rather than glandular or fibrous tissue. It can remove fat, particularly from the outer areas of the breast or along the chest wall, which may improve contour and reduce size by about one cup size or more. However, liposuction is not ideal for everyone. It is often used as an adjunct to traditional breast reduction surgery when there is a need for shaping or contouring after the larger volume is reduced through more conventional methods. It also doesn't address sagging or reposition the nipple, so it's more suitable for women whose breasts are not too droopy. For those with less fat or more glandular tissue, or for those seeking more significant reductions or lift, traditional breast reduction surgery remains the more common and reliable option.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York


ABOUT DR. VYAS
Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS, is a highly trained plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery and breast surgery, including breast augmentation, reduction, lifts, and gender-affirming surgery (such as chest masculinization and feminization). With advanced training from institutions like Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Vyas is recognized for his expertise in breast and chest sensory nerve restoration. His PhD in clinical and translational science focused on stem cells, fat grafting, and improving outcomes in aesthetic surgery and breast surgery. Dr. Vyas has served on the editorial board for several medical journals and platforms and has over 200 research papers and talks. His research focuses on aesthetic surgery, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, fat grafting, breast surgery, and gender-affirming surgery. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Vyas was appointed an Instructor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic and served as an Assistant in Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Depending on your anatomy and expectations, yes, it can be done. But it is by far the less performed procedure for breast reduction. Liposuction of the breast is particularly helpful for those who have had a reduction before, the shape and nipple position are good, so the volume reduction works well. The nice think about liposuction is that it can be done with a light oral sedation and local tumescent anesthesia with minimal scarring. See attached reference for an example. Thank you.