If a full breast reduction seems too extensive of a procedure, you may like to consider if you could be a suitable candidate for breast liposuction.
By only addressing fatty tissue to reduce the size of the breasts, breast liposuction uses smaller incisions. If your breast size is primarily due to fatty tissue and you have good skin elasticity, this technique may be better aligned to your needs.
Read on to learn more about the approach!
What is breast liposuction?
Breast liposuction is a procedure that can reduce the size and weight of overly large breasts by removing excess fatty tissue. The liposuction procedure uses a small cannula through tiny incisions to suction out the targeted fat.
Unlike traditional breast reduction surgery, which involves removing both fat and glandular tissue along with excess skin, breast liposuction specifically targets fat deposits. The approach can be a suitable option for certain patients who are looking for a less invasive procedure with minimal scarring.
Is breast liposuction really a scarless breast reduction?
Breast liposuction may sometimes be referred to as a “scarless breast reduction,” as it only requires small incisions, as opposed to the larger incisions that are used during a full breast reduction procedure. However, the small incisions will still leave a minor level of scarring – as with any incisions used during surgery.
Essentially, it can be called scarless as it refers to the much more minimal scarring results that can be achieved. After any procedure with incisions, scarring will depend on how you naturally heal and how closely you follow your aftercare instructions.
During a consultation at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne, Dr Attalla can discuss where incisions will be placed, what you can expect in terms of scarring and how to care for your incisions after surgery to minimise scars.
How is the breast liposuction procedure performed?
Breast liposuction can be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the specific details of your personalised surgery plan.
A small incision, which is often shorter than a quarter-inch, is made on the breast area. A thin tube called a cannula is then carefully placed through the incision, and used to break up the targeted fat before suctioning it out.
Dr Attalla can use specific techniques during the procedure to achieve effective results, and your procedure can be tailored to your needs. Your procedure can take between two to three hours, depending on the details of your procedure plan.
To complete the procedure, the incisions are then closed with fine sutures, and the area is protected with dressings to support the healing process.
What makes someone a suitable candidate for breast reduction with breast liposuction?
Breast liposuction is generally recommended for those who want to reduce the size and weight of their breasts if this is caused by fatty tissue. The procedure is only performed on patients who are over 18 years old.
The treatment method can also be used to treat gynaecomastia in men, a condition which involves the enlargement of the breast tissue.
Suitable candidates should be in good overall health, at a stable weight, and hold realistic expectations about the results. Since the procedure does not remove glandular tissue or tighten the skin, it is not always suitable for those with significant skin laxity or those requiring a more extensive reduction.
Age, skin elasticity, and the proportion of fat versus glandular tissue in the breasts will all factor into determining whether someone is a good candidate for breast liposuction. For example, candidates with firm, elastic skin, may achieve more effective results, as the skin will be more likely to adapt to the change in breast fat volume. However, for those with looser skin, traditional breast reduction surgery may be a better option as it can address both skin laxity and excess tissue.
To make sure that you’re a suitable candidate for breast liposuction, Dr Attalla will discuss your desired results and assess your breasts for each important factor.
What will recovery from the procedure be like?
Recovery from breast liposuction is typically shorter compared to traditional breast reduction surgery, but there are still some important recovery steps to take.
In the first few days, swelling and bruising are common. Some pain is also normal, which can typically be managed with medication. A compression garment is usually recommended to help support the breasts and reduce swelling. Wearing a supportive bra throughout the recovery period can help maintain comfort and provide additional support as the breasts heal.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a week, but it’s important to follow all post-operative care instructions to avoid complications. By the two-week mark, much of the swelling and bruising will have subsided, and patients may be able to resume light activities. Strenuous exercise should still be avoided to allow for proper healing.
It is essential to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities during this period, as excessive movement could interfere with the healing process and lead to complications such as prolonged swelling or fluid buildup.
At around six weeks, most patients will have reached full recovery, though residual swelling can take a few more months to fully subside. The breasts will continue adjusting to their new shape, and by this stage, the results will become more apparent.
How will my results look after surgery?
Breast liposuction can effectively reduce breast size by removing excess fat, but the extent of the reduction depends on factors such as the patient’s skin elasticity and the amount of fat that can be removed.
Since the procedure does not involve skin removal, the final shape of the breasts will largely depend on how the skin contracts after surgery, which can take some time. The initial swelling and fluid retention can also take some time to subside, so overall, it can take a few months for the final results to show. Following post-operative care instructions can help swelling and fluid retention subside faster.
Since every patient is different and each procedure will be tailored to each patient’s needs, results will also be unique. It will depend on how much fat could be removed, your breast composition and other personal factors.
Breast Liposuction with Dr Mark Attalla at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne
Dedicating his work to cosmetic surgery Dr Attalla is an experienced cosmetic practitioner with years of surgical training.
He is a fellow of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery and regularly presents at both national and international conferences.
A detailed consultation at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne will provide an opportunity to discuss whether a breast liposuction procedure is suitable for your specific goals and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
During your consultation, Dr Attalla will assess your breast composition, skin quality, and overall health to determine whether liposuction alone will be effective or if a different approach may be more suitable.
Please contact our team to book your consultation!
