In more limited cases, liposuction alone is effective in removing excess fat and recontouring the chest wall. Tiny stab incisions of less than 1/4 of an inch in length are placed at the perimeter of the areola (dark skin surrounding the nipple) and hidden in the armpit. Fat is aspirated through a hollow tube (cannula) attached to a suction vacuum pump. The elastic breast skin will then redrape the newly contoured chest wall.
If firmer glandular tissue is the cause, a 1.25″ incision is made at the lower arc of the areola to sculpt away excess breast tissue. In rare instances of excessively hypertrophied breasts, major reduction of breast tissue, fat and excess skin may require longer, more conspicuous scars.
Recovery from liposuction alone, performed as an out-patient under “twilight” sedation, is only 2-3 days. Elastic compression garments, worn for 2-3 weeks, are hidden under external clothing. More extensive breast reduction may require hospitalization and general anesthesia and a recovery time of up to 6 weeks.
