A breast lift (breast reduction) via liposuction can provide results without the extensive downtime and dangers of conventional breast reduction surgery. (See before and after photos below.)
When reducing the size of one or both breasts (bilateral breast reduction), there are two main options. There is conventional open surgery – which involves various incisions, scarring, significant surgery time, a lengthy recovery and a general anaesthetic. And, there is liposuction, which requires 2 mm incisions, minimal scarring, takes typically 2 to 3 hours, and involves less downtime than conventional open surgery.
Patients can expect to lose one to two bra cup sizes or 30 to 50% of the volume of the breasts through breast reduction by liposuction under local anaesthetic.
After liposuction of the breast, there is skin retraction which elevates the breast. For women who want smaller breasts and like their own shape, liposuction may be recommended. Similarly, women with droopy breasts may see an elevation of the breast after lipo.
I often see elevation of the nipple position from 2 – 5 cm. The degree of elevation depends on the size and amount of fat removed. Additionally, there is individual variation with each patient.
Before proceeding, you will need to discuss your needs, wants and expectations with at least two appropriately trained surgeons to determine what is best for you. Both procedures can give excellent results. However, women should know that open surgery is not the only option. The time, money and effort involved in open surgery should be considered seriously – especially when breast liposuction can offer positive results – at less expense.
This information has been medically reviewed by Melbourne-trained cosmetic surgeon Dr Joni Feldman, MBBS (MELB) FACCSM (Med) Fellow of Lipoplasty (ACCSM).
Before and After Breast Liposuction Photos
BEFORE: Areolas are stretched larger; weight from fatty tissue stretches breasts and nipples downwards.
AFTER: Areolas contract, appearing smaller; breasts lift, with nipples sitting higher and closer to armpit.
BEFORE: Areolas appear larger; nipples sit low from armpit.
AFTER: Areolas appear smaller; nipples sit closer to armpit.
The ‘before and after’ photographs on Dr Joni Feldman’s website illustrate examples of the types of procedures Dr Feldman provides, along with the results received. Results may vary, depending on the individual. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Read more about surgical risks here. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Why have a breast reduction/lift?
If you have heavy breasts, you are likely aware of the difficulties they can cause. Heavy, enlarged breasts can cause several problems for women, including:
- Difficulty finding suitable, well-fitted clothing
- Cervical (neck), thoracic and lumbar vertebral strain
- Postural problems
- Difficulty exercising
- Fatigue – due to carrying excess weight
- Difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort of heavy breasts
- Being uncomfortable with unwarranted attention or comments regarding your breasts in public
- Skin rashes, chafing and infections in the skin under the breasts
Finally, some women opt for breast reduction surgery due to asymmetry – when one breast is noticeably larger than the other.
Read more about the benefits of breast liposuction here>
Potential liposuction risks
It is essential you understand all the risks involved with liposuction to make an informed decision before proceeding.
Complications associated with liposuction may include asymmetry, skin rippling, excessive loose skin, poor scarring, abnormal skin pigmentation, bleeding, infection, seroma formation (fluid accumulation under the skin), deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, swelling, poor wound healing, bruising, and a potential need for revision surgery. Dr Feldman will discuss all potential surgical risks with you at your initial consultation. She will be happy to address any concerns or questions so that you are fully informed before proceeding with your surgery.
Australian Studies Highlight Long-Term Benefits of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction liposuction offers far from just cosmetic correction. Read our article on the 12-year cohort study highlighting the chronic health problems of women with large breasts, along with the overwhelmingly positive benefits – both physically and mentally – achieved after breast reduction surgery.
Why breast liposuction over surgery?
Breast liposuction can produce excellent results. Liposuction surgery can significantly minimise the size and weight of the breasts. Once the fatty tissue is removed, your body’s natural elastic tissue can retract. This tissue tightening encourages the breasts to lift, making them appear firmer and more elevated. A 4-5 cm lift in the nipple line is often achieved, however, results vary between patients. Usually the areola also decreases in size, as the skin and tissue around the nipple also contracts. The results of liposuction breast reduction produces very natural looking breasts, if that is what you desire.
Compared to traditional breast reduction surgery, the cost is significantly less. Additionally, the procedure is far less invasive, and the recovery time is far shorter.
Am I a candidate for breast reduction liposuction?
As with any surgical procedure, not everyone is a candidate. There are a few restrictions that may prohibit you from proceeding. However, below are indications of where liposuction breast reduction (lifting) can be an appropriate option:
⇒ Large amounts of fatty tissue
If your breasts have a lot of fatty tissue, liposuction can be an excellent option as fat is the primary substance removed during the procedure. Conversely, if your breasts are densely filled with glandular tissue, then liposuction may not be recommended. Dr Feldman will send you for a mammogram with tomosynthesis (a form of 3-D mammography).
This screening procedure is similar to a mammogram, but it produces a 3-D image (rather than flat) to determine your breast density.The mammogram also shows the exact volume in each breast so that the desired amount of fat can be removed to give a symmetrical breast shape. This is especially useful when your breast has uneven volume.
⇒ General anaesthesia is not possible/desired
Some patients cannot have general anaesthesia for health reasons; others simply prefer to avoid a GA whenever possible. Breast (lift) liposuction does not require a general anaesthetic. The patient will be awake throughout their procedure, and only local anaesthetic and a light sedative be used.
⇒ Free from excessive stretch marks
If your breasts are not deeply scarred with excessive stretch marks, then liposuction may be a good option. If you have skin that is excessively scarred and stretched, conventional surgery may be the preferred choice.
⇒ Breast sag due to excess weight
Although some surgeons argue that a sagging breast can only be lifted through surgery, Dr Feldman sometimes disagrees. She repeatedly sees clients with breasts that sag simply due to the excess fatty tissue that, once removed, the breast tightens and lifts considerably higher.
Candidates who should avoid breast liposuction
Not everyone is a candidate for breast liposuction. If you have a large amount of glandular tissue and not fatty tissue, have extremely large breasts which have substantially dropped or stretched, have become considerably misshapen or have breast skin with excessive scar tissue, then conventional surgery may be the best option.
Breast cancer is also an important factor. If you have an existing breast lump, this must be carefully assessed to ensure it is not cancer. Again, Dr Feldman sends all patients for a mammogram with tomosynthesis before considering this procedure. A mammogram gives Dr Feldman reassurance that there is no cancer and the opportunity to assess your breast composition carefully.
Breast Reduction Techniques: A Summary
Breast Reduction Liposuction
- No scars
- Minimal downtime
- Light sedation only
- Minimal pain, post-procedure
- 1 to 2 cup size reduction
- Natural-looking lift with firmer breasts
- Suits women with fatty breasts
- Minimal expense compared to conventional surgery
- Can walk out of the day surgery 1 hour after the procedure
Conventional Breast Reduction Surgery
- Large scars – around the nipple, vertically and under the breast
- Long, slow recovery
- General anaesthetic required, usually with an overnight hospital stay
- Painful during recovery
- 2+ cup size reduction
- Suits women with very glandular breast and minimal fatty tissue
- A relatively costly procedure