Are you considering breast reduction surgery? Although any surgical procedure is a big decision, many people have enjoyed great success after undergoing a breast reduction.
This surgery can reduce your cup size using innovative techniques without leaving prominent or visible scars. This also means the surgery requires fewer pre-op measures and less downtime post-surgery. It’s a great fit for those looking for slight reductions without the hassle of a full breast reduction and all the associated scars. It isn’t right for everyone though.
That’s why we created this quick guide to discuss what to expect from the process—from pre-op consults and recovery time to long-term results. We’ll also review some of the available options so that you can decide which method is best for you.
What Is Scarless Breast Reduction?
Scarless breast reduction surgery is a new and improved way to make breasts smaller without leaving scars. Unlike traditional surgery, it’s less invasive and doesn’t require large cuts or skin removal. Instead, the procedure uses liposuction to remove fat from the breasts.
Often, this is to relieve pain and discomfort and for some, achieve the look of smaller breasts. However, in some cases, patients opt for liposuction breast reduction to achieve symmetry or reshape their breasts’ natural look.
The best thing about scarless breast reduction surgery is that you’ll have very little scarring (as the name suggests) and can spend less time recovering since it’s less intensive and less invasive.
All in all, scarless breast reduction surgery is a safe and effective procedure that helps reduce breast size without leaving scars. It’s a great option for anyone looking to feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance.
Scarring
The nature of this surgery means you can expect minimal to no scarring. However, it’s important to note that the surgeon will make small (5 mm) incisions around the edge of or in the natural creases of the breast. Through this small incision, they will use liposuction to remove excess fat and tissue.
These tiny incisions will be virtually invisible once they heal, leaving the patient with a smoother, more proportionate bustline. Scarring can still occur but is typically minimal and easily concealed.
Recovery
Recovering from a scarless breast reduction surgery is typically faster and easier than traditional methods. Some patients can return to their daily routine within a few days. The majority of patients return to work within one week.
During the first few days, taking things slow and resting as much as possible is important to allow the body to heal. Patients may feel discomfort, but this can be easily managed by taking doctor-prescribed pain medication. Swelling and bruising are normal and can last for a few weeks but will eventually subside.
Because the incisions are small, they heal quickly. There are no stitches! This means you can resume light, regular activities after a week and full exercise after about three weeks. However, you will likely need to wear an uplifting bra for at least six weeks.
Follow-up visits with the surgeon are necessary to monitor the healing process. Ensure you attend those follow-up visits as recommended to ensure everything is healing properly.
Results
It’s important to know that results vary depending on your body.
Usually, the results of this surgery are visible immediately. Most patients experience a reduction in breast size and an improvement in shape, contour, and overall appearance.
What most patients note is that their breasts look more proportionate to their bodies. Because the surgery isn’t as invasive, few patients experience reduced sensation in their nipples. In some cases, due to the reduced size of their breasts, some patients feel like they’ve received a breast lift.
What to Expect From a Breast Reduction Procedure
There are three main phases of any breast reduction procedure. We discussed what you could expect during the post-operation and recovery phase above. Now, here’s what to expect during pre-op and the operation itself.
Pre-Operation
Before undergoing a scarless breast reduction surgery, you will meet with a surgeon to discuss your goals and medical history. The surgeon will take measurements and photos of your breasts to create a personalized surgical plan.
Before the surgery, you’ll need to stop smoking and avoid certain medications that may increase the risk of bleeding. The surgeon may also advise you to stop eating or drinking before the surgery. Following all pre-op instructions is important for a safe and effective outcome.
Operation
During the surgery, small incisions are made, and the extra tissue is removed using a special liposuction device. The surgery is performed under twilight anesthesia, but general anesthesia is also an option. The surgery typically takes about one to two hours, and patients can return home the same day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Scarless Breast Reduction?
As mentioned above, this surgery is great for those seeking a non-invasive alternative to regular breast reduction surgery. But it’s not ideal for everybody. You’re a good candidate for this procedure if you:
- Only need a moderate size reduction
- Have only minimal breast sagging
- Have decent skin elasticity
- Have a high ratio of fat-to-glandular tissue (i.e., have fatty breasts). This is important as very young patients typically have the reverse (high gland-to-fat ratio), so patients in their teens, twenties, and even early thirties are not necessarily good candidates for this procedure.
It’s also worth noting that, even though it’s not as invasive, most surgeons will still only operate on patients with a certain BMI. This is because liposuction breast reduction does still require anesthesia. So, you’re an ideal candidate if your BMI is 30 or below and you follow a healthy lifestyle.
How Much Does Liposuction Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
We wish we could give you a firm answer! However, the truth is that it depends. When it comes to scarless breast reduction surgery, the cost can vary depending on different factors.
One of these factors is the clinic you choose. Different clinics have different fees and expenses for the surgery. Another factor that can affect the cost is the surgeon operating on you. Experienced and highly skilled surgeons may charge more than those who are less experienced.
The location of your clinic also matters, as different regions have different costs of living. Lastly, the size and shape of your breasts will also be a factor. The bigger the breasts, the more complicated the surgery and the higher the cost.
It’s important to speak with your surgeon about the expected cost of scarless breast reduction surgery to ensure you’re fully prepared. It’s also worth noting that most insurance providers, unfortunately, still do not cover breast reduction procedures if they’re cosmetic.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you interested in seeing if you’re a good candidate for scarless breast reduction surgery? It’s a great option for those looking for a quick, relatively non-invasive alternative to traditional breast reduction procedures.
Are you ready to schedule your breast reduction surgery? Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (402) 391-4558 to get started.
