Breast Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction or lipoplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to remove pockets of excess fatty tissues from certain parts of the body, commonly the tummy, buttocks, hips, thighs and upper arms. It is sometimes used alongside other surgical procedures as part of an overall cosmetic treatment. Individuals who choose liposuction often do so because other routine methods of weight loss (such as diet and exercise) have not managed to shift the excess adipose tissues from a problem zone.

When is Liposuction carried out on the Breasts?

Liposuction in the breast area of women is a less commonly performed procedure for one major reason, that being that the breasts are mainly composed of a different type of tissue to fat. The breasts are medically referred to as mammary glands, because their main composition is a glandular tissue with the role of milk production. Although the breasts do have fat tissues, the removal of the fat in the majority of cases will not produce a large reduction in size. However, for some women, adipose tissue is a major problem contributing to the overall size of their breasts, so liposuction is a valid reduction method. It can be used successfully by women who do not need a dramatic reduction in size, but maybe have some associated problems caused by weight gain in the breast area. One criteria for the procedure is that the skin must have good elasticity in order to recover from liposuction in the breast area.

Men can also opt for liposuction of the breast area. This is a successful treatment for pseudogynecomastia, a form of 'man boobs' caused by an excess amount of fat. In these cases there is generally just a little or no glandular tissue involved, so the liposuction affords some excellent results.

The use of liposuction has some benefits over other breast reduction methods, in that it produces much less scarring, and should not affect the function of the breasts as it causes little trauma to the glandular tissue, so breastfeeding is still possible. The shape is still left intact, with the difference being the reduction in size.

The Procedure

If liposuction is being used as a stand-alone procedure, it can be carried out under a local anaesthetic. There are different versions of liposuction available. Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) uses ultrasound to disrupt the fat cells prior to removal, and results in minimal blood loss during fat removal. Tumescent liposuction is a little different in that saline and drugs are injected into the patient prior to treatment to swell the fatty tissue and separate it from the muscle tissue. This makes fat removal easier. It also has minimal blood loss. A small incision is made beneath the breast, and a cannula tube is inserted. The surgeon will manually manipulate the tube around internally to gather dislodged fat tissues in the treatment area. A vacuum sucks out the fat cells through the cannula. Following the procedure, some bruising and swelling will occur, and it is important to wear a compression garment for a given amount of time (up to six weeks), to help maintain the shape and prevent tissue movement in the healing area. The breasts can take up to four months to completely recover and swelling to reduce.

Availability

Breast liposuction is not one of the more commonly performed liposuctions, but it should not be difficult to find a suitably qualified and experienced surgeon at a liposuction clinic in your area. The costs will vary somewhat but an average starting price is around £2,000.