about the breast liposculpture procedure
Female breasts liposculpture may be a useful alternative procedure (for some women) to conventional breast reduction surgery involving skin and breast tissue excision and nipple transference. Some women may have large breasts and complain of an aching neck, back pain, upper back pain and headache. Some women may choose to decrease the size of their breasts in order to increase their level of comfort, but may be unwilling to undergo excisional surgery that may leave large visible scars and possibly change sensation of the nipple. They may also wish to have the minimal amount of down time for recovery.
female breast liposuction
The advantages of breast liposuction are minimal scarring as there are only approximately 3 skin incisions for each breast (3-5mm), a shorter liposuction procedure compared to excisional breast surgery, and often a more tolerable recovery with liposuction compared to excisional breast tissue and skin surgery. However, breast liposuction will only achieve optimal results in certain patients.
The best candidates for breast liposuction are those who need or desire a slight to moderate reduction in breast size and have good elasticity and little or no sagging to correct (ptosis), and whose excess breast size is largely due to excess fatty tissue. Liposuction of the female breast allows for up to 50% reduction of the breast volume. If there is excess glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue, then breast liposuction would not be appropriate. The breast shape does not change with breast liposuction.
The breasts simply become a smaller version. The breasts can become lifted to a degree by liposuction due the reduced weight of the breast, as this allows the breasts natural elastic properties to contract and produce elevation. This elevation after breast liposuction is variable amongst individuals and ranges from 2-6cm. A breast mammogram and ultrasound are required before female breast liposuction and 6 months post operatively. A supportive bra is required to be worn day and night for 4 weeks after female breast liposuction, plus an elastic binder for the first 48 hours postoperatively.
Medical Research
Liposuction / liposculpture breast reduction study findings are reported in international peer reviewed medical journals. These are made available to you and may be accessed below:
This study demonstrated that liposuction breast reduction is appealing due to selective removal of fat, ease of the procedure, and minimal scarring. The main disadvantage is that a correction of shape and ptosis is not possible with liposuction. For women who are happy with the shape of their breasts and just want them smaller, between 30 and 50% of the volume of the breast can be removed by liposculpture, under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours. There may be adequate retraction of the skin once the breast fat has been removed, with elevation of the nipple by 2-6cm, in my experience. Different patients react differently to liposculpture procedures so exact figures cannot be guaranteed.
Jakubietz, R. G., Jakubietz, D. F., Gruenert, J. G., Schmidt, K., Meffert, R. H., & Jakubietz, M. G. (2011). Breast Reduction by Liposuction in Females. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 35(3), 402–407
This study comprising of over 350 cases demonstrated that liposuction breast reduction can be an effective method of breast reduction surgery. Liposculpture may provide an alternative in carefully selected individuals. In this study, it was concluded that complications are infrequent and can provide a useful alternative to traditional breast reduction surgery in many patients.
Moskovitz, M. J., & Baxt, S. A. (2004). Breast Reduction Using Liposuction Alone. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 18(3), 225–229.
Note: For women who are happy with the shape of their breasts and just want them smaller, between 30 and 50% of the volume of the breast can be removed by Liposculpture, under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours. There may be adequate retraction of the skin once the breast fat has been removed, with elevation of the nipple by 2-6cm, in my experience. Different patients react differently to Liposculpture procedures so exact figures cannot be guaranteed.
Who is suitable for Liposculpture to the breasts?
A woman with large and heavy breasts with abundance of fat compared to dense breast tissue, who is happy with the shape of her breasts, but just wants them smaller may be considered for this procedure. Only fat may be removed. The breast becomes fattier with age (> 40 usually) and menopause, when the milk-producing tissue is no longer needed. However, patients with ptosis of the nipple and breast may wish to consider conventional excisional breast reduction surgery.
Who is NOT suitable for Liposculpture to the breasts?
In general, women would have preferably completed their family, not be breastfeeding and not have a problem with lumpy breasts or other breast problems. And not have extreme ptosis (droopiness / sagginess) of the breast.
Jakubietz et al. (2011) concluded that liposuction breast reduction may be appealing due to selective removal of fat and minimal scarring. The main disadvantage is that a correction of shape and ptosis is not possible with liposuction.
Jakubietz, R. G., Jakubietz, D. F., Gruenert, J. G., Schmidt, K., Meffert, R. H., & Jakubietz, M. G. (2011). Breast Reduction by Liposuction in Females. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 35(3), 402–407.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20976597/
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bmi-calculator
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’. The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychologist.
Is it permanent?
The reduction in the size of the breasts is generally permanent, provided your weight remains stable after the procedure. Not all the fatty tissue is removed with any liposuction procedure. Remaining fat cells can become bigger, so it is important to maintain diet and exercise after any liposculpture procedure to sustain results.
Are there any scars or changes to the Nipple sensation?
The small access holes are 3-5mm wide. There are usually 3-4 per side and 2 of them are located in the natural crease under each breast. Scars may develop over the incision sites (only 3-5mm) or become darker or lighter in colour or become enlarged but generally these tend to become less obvious with time. Sutures are not required for most incisions and the incision sites act as drainage points post operatively to allow the excess anaesthetic fluid to drain out.
As all the instruments used in this surgery are blunt, there is generally minimal or no change to how the nipple feels, long-term. With conventional excisional breast reduction surgery, a large inverted T-shape incision is made and some of the nerves to the skin of the breast can be cut, which may alter sensation permanently. However, this is variable amongst individuals. Different patients will heal differently and have different pain thresholds and will therefore experience different recovery times for different activities.
Are any special tests necessary?
A mammogram and breast ultrasound are required before the procedure and again six months after the procedure.
What support garments are required?
A special compressive chest garment is used for the first few days after the procedure and then a support bra is worn day and night for a further 4 weeks after the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Most breast reduction procedures take from between 2 to 3 hours to complete, possibly longer if there is an extra fat under the armpits.
How much time do I need to take off?
In general, you should plan on taking 3-7 days off work. It would be about 3-4 weeks before normal gym activities or jogging could be started.
Please take note
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator:
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’.
The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychiatrist.