An alternative to traditional breast reduction is to reduce the volume of breast tissue using liposuction. This has the advantage of much less scarring and may be more likely to preserve the ability to breast feed. Both of these are especially important for younger patients.
In this technique either traditional liposuction is used to reduce the fat of the breast. A small incision is used , often in the crease under the breast. It is not uncommon to remove almost 1000 cc from each breast.
Skin envelope contraction may be more significant than was previously thought, especially if superficial suctioning close to the skin is performed. Up to 6 cms(over two inches) of elevation have been recorded.
The benefits may include fewer complications, reduced recovery time, better sensation and reduced scarring.There is also evidence that there is no significant damage to the glandular structure of the breast, which makes lactation and breast feeding much more likely after liposuction of the breast than traditional breast reduction.
Mammograms may be more dense after surgery but studies show that the changes can usually easily be distinguished from those of breast cancer.
As with any newer technique long term effects cannot be known. Plastic surgeons are studying possible side effects associated with this technique. In some case a mastopexy can be used to reduce the skin envelope and often leads to more acceptable scars than a traditional breast reduction.