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Liposuction-Only Breast Reduction: A Systematic Review of Outcomes

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  • Breast Surgery
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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Over the past few decades, there have been multiple reports of liposuction assisted breast reduction. This technique appeals to patients due to the limited scars and complication profile, compared to traditional reduction mammaplasty techniques. We aimed to systematically review the literature, to elucidate the outcomes and safety of liposuction-only breast reduction.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using the Ovid (Medline/PubMed) database, in accordance with the PRISMA checklist.

Results

In total 7 articles were included within this systematic review. A total of 652 patients were included. Liposuction-only breast reduction appears to lead to improvements in subjective outcome measures, patient satisfaction, and objective outcomes such as moderate breast volume reduction and reduction in breast ptosis. Overall, the procedure had a low complication profile. Liposuction did not preclude further surgery. No evidence of malignancy or difficulty in future breast cancer screening was noted.

Conclusion

Macromastia leads to a considerable health burden, especially in health-related costs. From the current evidence base, liposuction-only breast reduction appears to be a safe and effective procedure, especially in patients requiring a mild–moderate breast volume reduction and mild ptosis correction. More research is required, with standardised subjective and objective outcome measures, and longer follow-up periods to confirm the effectiveness and safety of this technique.

Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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Funding

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK

    Murtaza Kadhum & Muhammad Umair Javed

  2. London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, ON, Canada

    Caitlin Symonette

  3. University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK

    Wajeeha Khan

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  1. Murtaza Kadhum
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  2. Caitlin Symonette
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  3. Wajeeha Khan
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  4. Muhammad Umair Javed
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Correspondence to Muhammad Umair Javed.

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Kadhum, M., Symonette, C., Khan, W. et al. Liposuction-Only Breast Reduction: A Systematic Review of Outcomes. Aesth Plast Surg (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-03874-w

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