Many women with large breasts experience a range of side effects that hurt their lives every day. These psychological and physiological effects create frustrating experiences. Women with large breasts typically experience physical constraints such as chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain that can reduce their everyday physical activity.
Large breasts can also make it more difficult for some types of exercise and can lead to an unhealthy posture. Other side effects include psychological effects such as negative self-image, lower confidence, limited clothing options, and the daily frustration of finding something to wear that will adequately fit their body or even having to buy clothes that don’t fit properly to accommodate a larger chest. Breast reduction procedures such as breast liposuction are available if you are troubled by or inconvenienced by any of these problems due to large breasts.
Why Women Want Breast Reduction Treatment
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure aimed at reducing the size of the breasts and improving their shape. It has been a popular choice among older women for many years due to chronic neck and back pain caused by large breasts. However, in recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in the demographics of patients seeking breast reduction surgery. Younger women are increasingly attracted to this procedure, driven by a desire for aesthetic improvement and a higher quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the reasons behind the popularity of breast reductions among both older and younger women, the different surgical options available, and the potential benefits and considerations associated with the procedure.
In the past, older women were the primary demographic seeking breast reduction surgery. They often experience chronic neck and back pain due to their breasts’ excessive weight and size. For these women, the focus was primarily on reducing physical discomfort and improving their overall quality of life. The decision to undergo surgery was relatively straightforward, as they were less concerned about potential scarring or the impact on breastfeeding.
Breast reduction surgery is meant for women who have large breasts and want to resolve issues such as:
- Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain that requires pain medications
- Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
- Nerve pain
- Restricted activity
- Poor self-image related to large breasts
- Difficulty fitting into bras and clothing
Breast reduction surgery generally isn’t recommended for you if you:
- Smoke
- Have certain conditions such as diabetes or heart problems
- Are very obese
The Shifting Trend: Why Younger Women Are Getting Breast Reductions
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of younger women opting for breast reduction surgery. This shift can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, societal beauty standards have evolved, emphasizing a more balanced and proportional body shape. Women, regardless of age, now seek cosmetic procedures to align themselves with these ideals. Secondly, advancements in social media have played a significant role in the popularity of breast reduction among younger women. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created communities where individuals can openly discuss their experiences and share before-and-after photos. This exposure has normalized the procedure and empowered younger women to consider it a viable option for achieving their desired appearance.
Moreover, younger women who opt for breast reduction surgery may still have concerns about scarring and the potential impact on breastfeeding. Unlike older generations, they are more conscious of these factors and value their importance. However, advancements in surgical techniques and technologies have addressed these concerns, offering newer options that minimize scarring and preserve the possibility of breastfeeding.
How Breast Reduction Works
Breast tissue holds a greater percentage of fat than other areas of the body, and it only increases as a woman ages. Once a woman is in her 40’s, she may be carrying around an even higher amount of fat tissue that can lead to the problems described above. State-of-the-art technology is used to remove this excess fat through a breast reduction surgery known as tumescent liposuction.
This liposuction procedure entails the use of a solution that is able to greatly shrink the capillaries found in the breasts and reduce possible pain and bleeding that can occur during the treatment, as well as lower the chance of future scarring.
After the capillaries in the breasts have been reduced, a cannula—a type of instrument used in most liposuction procedures—removes excess fat tissue through a small incision. This procedure avoids the glandular tissue found in the breast (it is important this tissue not be removed).
This procedure is less invasive than other breast reduction procedures that involve excising part of the breast tissue and suturing the nipple higher up the breast. These older techniques have a greater chance to leave bigger scar tissue; recovery also takes significantly longer.
With breast reduction surgery, there are no large incisions or scars. Removing the excess weight from the breasts gives them a natural lift, although the lift that occurs is generally less than the lift that can be achieved with open surgical breast lifts, which require large incisions and leave large scars.
The Role of Fat Transfer in Breast Reductions
Another emerging trend in breast reduction surgery is the use of fat transfer techniques. In this procedure, excess fat from the breasts is removed and transferred to other areas of the body, such as the buttocks or hips, to enhance their shape and contour. This approach provides a dual benefit, as it not only reduces breast size but also allows for body sculpting and reshaping in desired areas. Fat transfer techniques have gained popularity among women who prefer a more natural and organic approach to breast reduction.
Surgical Options: Liposuction Alone or Liposuction + Renuvion
When it comes to breast reduction surgery, there are different surgical options available, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the patient. The two primary techniques commonly used are liposuction alone or liposuction combined with Renuvion.
Liposuction involves the removal of excess fat from the breasts using a small cannula. This technique is suitable for women with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging. Liposuction offers a quicker recovery time and results in minimal scarring.
On the other hand, liposuction combined with Renuvion is a more comprehensive procedure that not only removes excess fat but also tightens the skin. Renuvion, also known as J-Plasma, utilizes a combination of radiofrequency energy and helium plasma to tighten and contour the skin. This technique is ideal for women with moderate to severe sagging and skin laxity.
The choice between liposuction alone and liposuction with Renuvion depends on factors such as the degree of sagging, skin elasticity, and the desired outcome. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the most suitable surgical option based on individual circumstances.
Can Liposuction Really Work for Breast Reduction? See Hannah’s Story
Hannah is a working mom with young children. She researched breast reduction, but until she found our site, she did not know liposuction was viable. She suffers from back and neck pain. She has the additional expense of visiting a chiropractor/massage therapist to alleviate her pain. She sought breast reduction with little downtime and no scars, which would still allow her to breastfeed. With the help of our team, Hannah went from a size J cup to a D cup!
“During surgery, I was awake but comfortable. I was surprised to see the change immediately, and even though I was sore immediately post-op, I felt lighter. Recovery went smoothly. The first few days were the worst, but I could immediately take care of my kids – including lifting them up because there were no lifting restrictions. I’m much more comfortable with my cup size and very pleased with my lighter breasts’ natural look, feel, and lift.”
Scarless Breast Reduction Works For Many Women
Scarless Breast Reduction works best for women with more fatty tissue in their breasts. Liposuction removes fatty tissue from the breast effectively. Women have different amounts of adipose or fatty tissue in the breasts. Factors such as genetics, age, and body weight all play a role in the amount of fat in a woman’s breast. Women who genetically have less dense and more fatty breasts, heavier women, and older women all have more fat tissue in their breasts. As we age, the breast glandular tissue decreases, and the fat content of breasts increases. The more fat in the breast the greater the reduction in the breast size from the liposuction.
Can Scarless Breast Reduction Result in a Breast Lift?
Scarless Breast Reduction is usually a combination of two procedures: liposuction and skin tightening. The liposuction, as discussed above, removes fat from the breasts. This results in lighter or less heavy breasts, which gives a slight but noticeable lift to the breasts. The second part of the scarless breast lift is a minimally invasive skin tightening. In the last 5-10 years, a new and potentially game-changing skin-tightening technology called Renuvion has been developed.
This technology uses Radio Frequency energy combined with Helium gas to create brief plasma energy that safely tightens tissue. The Renuvion cannula goes through the same small puncture holes that are created for the liposuction, and it delivers the plasma energy evenly through the subcutaneous tissue, which sets into motion a cascade of processes that lead to tightening of the subcutaneous tissue over the next six to twelve months. So, yes! Scarless Breast Reduction does lift and reduce breast tissue.
Scarless Breast Reduction vs. Open Surgical Breast Reduction (Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery)
Studies have shown that the combination of liposuction and Radio Frequency of skin tightening can result in up to two-thirds of the tightening you’d experience in an open surgical lift. However, liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening will not give you as much lift as an open surgical breast lift. Open surgical breast reduction is usually the best option for very large or very saggy breasts, as it can give the largest reduction and greatest lift. Open Surgical Breast Reduction and Minimally Invasive or Scarless Breast Reduction both have advantages.
Advantages of Open Surgical Breast Reduction (Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery)
- This breast surgery gives the biggest lift to the breasts. Ideal for very large or very pendulous or “droopy” breasts.
- Can remove most breast tissue. Ideal for very large breasts that need the largest reduction.
Disadvantages of Open Surgical Breast Reduction (Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery)
Surgical Scars on the breast, some of which are completely unavoidable. No matter what surgical technique is used there are always at least some small scars on the breast. Some studies report up to 53% of breast reduction have some minor complications.[1, 2]
Frequent Minor Complications of Open Surgical Breast Reduction (Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery)
- Loss of the nipple or delayed healing
- Loss of sensation in the nipple
- Hypopigmented, whitish, patch of the nipple
- The hyperpigmented, dark, area around the nipple
- Poor wound healing incisions, resulting in a large scar
- Nipple malposition
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Skin Loss
Advantages of Scarless Breast Reduction:
- Little or no scarring.
- Rapid recovery.
- No risk for loss of nipple or nipple sensation.
- Does not affect breastfeeding.
- Lower cost.
Disadvantages of Scarless Breast Reduction
- A smaller reduction in size
- The lift of the breast is not as significant.
- Post-operative bruising is common
High Satisfaction with Both Types of Breast Reduction
Breast Lift Surgeries, whether from traditional open surgical reduction or liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening, have high patient satisfaction. Most women who have that despite the high percentage of complications seen with larger open surgical breast reduction there is a high degree of patient satisfaction with the results of the surgery. Patient satisfaction surveys of 178 women 403 (30 percent response of 600 surveys issued) found an average of 2.8 on a scale of 1 – 3 (i.e., nearly all “definitely agree” that they were satisfied with the procedure). An insignificant difference (p=0.57) exists between total breast tissue removed and patient response
Moskovitz et al. conducted a survey to know the outcome of the liposuction for breast reduction. The survey revealed that 80% were satisfied with the result and would go on to recommend it to a friend. Thus, it can be considered as an effective method of breast reduction [4].
Benefits of Breast Liposuction
This state-of-the-art procedure leaves you with less bulky, average-sized breasts and is best for females who are in their 40s. This technique also raises the breast naturally, as the reduction in weight prevents the breast from being pulled down further. It can be combined with a minimally invasive lifting treatment like BodyTite or BreastTite, which can give additional lift and tightening. However, breast liposuction procedures cannot produce as much lift as an open surgical breast lift, so if you have pendulous breasts or smaller breasts that sag significantly, this treatment may not be for you.
Benefits of Traditional Procedures
Traditional procedures for breast reduction surgery require cutting skin and breast tissue and suturing back together which is more beneficial for those with more severe sagging in the breasts. The traditional surgical breast lift can cause injury to the nipple and loss of sensation. However, an open surgical breast lift can give the biggest lift and is the best option for severely sagging or ptotic breasts. If breast liposuction is not available for your body shape, take a look at how an open surgical breast lift can show you the results you want.
How to Choose?
Deciding which procedure is best for your body type can be difficult. Let the professionals at St. Louis Laser Liposuction Center give you a consultation and help you make the decision on how to achieve the breasts you have always dreamed of.
Breast Liposuction FAQs
Answer:
Most of the time medical insurance companies do not cover breast reduction as they consider it a cosmetic procedure. However, some medical insurers will cover breast reduction or mammaplasty surgery if the breasts are so large that they are causing neck pain or shoulder pain, nerve pain down the arms or neck or similar symptoms, and the symptoms are severe enough to be interfering with the quality of life of the woman. The procedure takes a couple of hours from start to finish. There is no hospitalization required it can be done safely in an outpatient setting. There are two types of breast reduction procedures. Open surgical breast reduction and lift and liposuction breast reduction. Open surgical breast reduction makes an incision around the nipple and down the front of the breast. A wedge of skin and breast tissue is removed and sewn back together around the nipple. There is a small chance of nipple loss and or loss of nipple sensation. The open surgical breast reduction cost between $6000 and 9,500. On RealSelf they report the average cost of $7,275 for breast reduction surgery. Open surgical breast reduction can make breastfeeding more difficult.
Another newer option is liposuction, breast reduction this involves small punctures in the skin that usually heal without a scar to remove the fat from the breast. Liposuction, breast reduction do not give as much lift to the breast so it is not a great option if the breasts are very droopy breasts or they hang far down on the belly. However, liposuction, breast reduction can be combined with skin tightening with RF technologies like Renuvion or BodyTite to give almost as much lift as an open breast reduction surgery. The combined liposuction, breast reduction has a faster recovery, no scarring, and no chance of nipple loss, but it still cannot give as much lift to the breast as the open surgical breast reduction. The liposuction, breast reduction procedure costs around $3000-$4000 but adding the skin tightening to the procedure can add $2-3000 to the cost. The recovery is quicker and easier with lipo breast reduction.
