If you're considering breast reduction with liposuction in the Bay Area...
Tumescent liposuction surgery for breast reduction can be performed under local anesthetic, with mild sedation or under general anesthesia. A number of tiny incisions are made on the breast and the tumescent local anesthetic is infiltrated. Microcannulas, which are thin, straw-like, instruments, are then inserted into the incisions and the surgeon suctions out fat cells in to an appropriate endpoint for each location. This is where surgical technique, training and experience in liposuction come into play.
The advantages of breast reduction using tumescent liposuction and micro-cannulas are rapid recovery, minimal scarring, and a very low risk of postoperative complications. The typical patient can return to work and normal social activities within two to three days. Evidence of micro-incisions usually disappears within a few months.
Because there is minimal interference with the glands and ducts that produce milk, the continued ability to breast feed following tumescent liposuction breast reduction surgery can be expected. Also, inflammatory nodules and pseudocysts, which sometimes develop following traditional surgical-incision reduction, are rare after tumescent liposuction.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is a newer technique that involves the breaking open of the fat cells using a vibrating tip mounted on an ultrasonic cannula, which uses both vibration and heat. The desired amount of liquified fat is then suctioned out.
Slightly larger incisions are usually made to accommodate the larger ultrasonic cannula, with resultant scarring (still much smaller than with traditional breast reduction incision). Recovery time is somewhat longer and with a bit more discomfort than with traditional tumescent liposuction, with numbness and swelling lasting longer. UAL can get excellent results for breast reduction and UAL allows fat to be more easily removed with less trauma to the skin and tissues, as well as less blood loss, thus allowing more fat to be removed per operation. However, there has been a higher incidence of some complications with UAL techniques. Occasionally, more significant scarring, skin burns or fluid accumulation (seroma) can occur.
Another variation of UAL that has gained some recognition in breast reduction surgery is EUAL, or External Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction. In this procedure the ultrasonic device is applied to the outside of the patient’s skin rather being inserted into the adits on an ultrasonic cannula. This also relatively new system combines the tumescent technique for liquifying fat, temperature monitoring to avoid burning, and non-invasive ultrasonic application. It is still controversial with regards to whether it is a definitive improvement over tumescent liposuction alone.
Vaser Liposuction, also called Vaser Assisted Lipoplasty (VAL) or LipoSelection by Vaser, is a major advance over traditional liposuction and early-generation UAL in breast reduction surgery. Ultrasound energy provided by the Vaser device selectively breaks up and emulsifies fat, while leaving those other tissues relatively intact. Because of this, LipoSelection typically results in low to minimal pain and low incidences of bruising or prolonged swelling so patients enjoy a much faster recovery and a better end result. The higher complication rate associated with UAL has not been seen with the Vaser device.
LipoSelection combines advanced ultrasound technology and optimized surgical techniques for breast reduction. This proprietary method by VASER® is considered an advanced liposuction method, in terms of both exactness and diminished discomfort to the patient. I use the Vaser device in the majority of the liposuction procedures I perform.
There are several other liposuction techniques refined for either tiny areas or large-scale removal of fat for the purpose of facial and body sculpting. Some, or even all, of the liposuction methods described may not be right for your particular breast reduction surgery. Patients with chronic medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease are not good candidates for liposuction.
Each technique for breast reduction has its own advocates and adherents, and no one method is inherently better or safer than another. Choosing a certified surgeon with the skills appropriate to the method you chose will ensure the best chances for satisfying results.
Learn about Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery
|
