Breast Liposuction


What is Breast Liposuction?

Breast Liposuction is an alternative to a breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty), and some may find this preferable as the appearance of scars is greatly reduced. For a typical breast reduction, general anaesthetic is used, although local anaesthetic is becoming more common. The operation takes between 2 and 4 hours and often the patient is required to stay in hospital for up to three days afterwards. The most common technique is to make an incision around the areola, extending down and around the underside of the breast. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed and the nipple is repositioned slightly higher. This can cause raised scarring around the area and the scars don’t always fade.

For breast liposuction, the results are similar but the scarring is greatly reduced and the recovery time is far quicker. Local anaesthetic is used and a small incision made under the fold of the breast. A microcannula, usually around 5mm in size, is inserted and the fatty tissue drained. A cannula is a tube attached to a vacuum or syringe through which the fat is suctioned. Not only can breast liposuction reduce the breast size by up to 50%, it can also give the breast a moderate lift, as the reduction in weight and size allows the natural elasticity of the breast to produce better elevation.

Advantages of Breast Reduction Lipoplasty

Due to the use of microcannulas, the scarring is minimal and under the fold of the breast, making it invisible to the naked eye. The incisions are generally sealed with stitches which can be removed within two weeks of the procedure, and supportive bandages or garments must be worn to encourage the breasts to heal well and maintain their new shape. As the procedure can be carried out under local anaesthetic, most liposuction cases can be treated on a ‘walk in walk out’ basis, meaning that there are no overnight stays in hospital. Recovery time is quick which means that you can return to your normal daily activities faster than you would normally do after reduction mammoplasty. However, not everyone is suitable for breast liposuction, and you should have a full consultation with a specialist before the procedure. Women whose breasts are made up more of glandular tissue than fatty tissue will require the standard reduction mammoplasty procedure.

Recovery and Costs of Boob Lipoplasty

Recovery time can take a few weeks and you may need to take painkillers as the breast area will be swollen and tender at first. As with all liposuction procedures, it can take up to six months to appreciate the full extent of the surgery, although the fat removal is instant. This is because your body will be adapting to the change and the size and shape of your breasts will be slowly altering to compensate. Liposuction costs upwards of £2000 and although some procedures may be available on the NHS, this is very rare and more likely than not your GP will recommend a local practitioner.