Breast reduction using liposuction with tumescent local anesthesia and powered cannulas.

[BACKGROUND] Having large, heavy breasts can be a problem for women. The widely accepted method of breast reduction is excision, but this procedure often leads to a large number of unwanted side effects and complications. There is, therefore, a need for an effective technique that produces fewer of these undesirable features.

[OBJECTIVE] A study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) and powered cannulas.

[METHODS] One hundred fifty-one women were treated. Exact measurements of volume and ptosis were performed before the procedure and at intervals of 6 weeks and 4 months after the procedure.

[RESULTS] The average volume of the breast removed was 53%. Fat was abundant in elderly women and more easily removed because of the progressive fatty involution of the breast. Ptosis reduction was sufficient in women of all ages, with an average of 3.0 cm achieved after 4 months. Patient satisfaction was high, no serious complications were seen, and down-time was minimal. Pre- and postoperative mammograms were taken 1 year after the procedure and showed no new calcifications.

[CONCLUSION] Liposuction using TLA and powered cannulas is a safe and effective treatment modality for breast reduction.