Breast reduction can be performed via the traditional surgical method of cutting out the excess breast tissue and restitching the skin. This is a moderate to large procedure and involves significant scarring at times.
In a study by Mockovitz and Sherwood in 2004, a review of over 350 cases was carried out which showed liposuction was an excellent method of breast reduction when applied to the proper patient.
Patients with the main complaint of excessive breast weight and size were deemed to be the best candidates. Those over 40 years of age will often have excessive fat in their breasts. The reduction can be significant, although unpredictable at times due to the inability to gauge fat content exactly. The failure rate is inversely proportional to age and body mass index. Ptosis (or floppiness) correction is unpredictable and can be minimal in some patients. The use of VASER lipo seems to increase the skin tightening slightly and volume removal. It is wise to avoid this procedure if there is family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Preoperatively women over 40 should have radiological imaging, and those under 40 a baseline ultrasound is recommended.
This is performed as a day surgery procedure and recovery is similar as for general liposculpture. Most patients return to sedentary work in four days, with light gym at one week, moderate at two weeks and full gym after three weeks. Proper support must be worn over a six-month period, and full results can take up to a year.
Some minor revision is needed for unevenness, although this is uncommon. The most common complication is bruising while skin necrosis is rare and is seen mostly in smokers. They must cease two weeks before and at least two weeks after the procedure.
In a four-year patient follow up, it was shown that mammography was not adversely affected. Some breasts do appear denser on x-ray studies but this is easy to distinguish by an experienced radiologist.
Conclusion
This is a very straightforward procedure for the suitable patient. The patient must be realistic in the improvement and appreciate the benefit of little or no scarring. A breast lift may still be needed in some patients. This procedure is for the large patient population that desires a reduction in size, but does not want the invasiveness of traditional major breast surgery.
For more information, or to book a complimentary nurse consultation, please contact us.