Breast reduction with ultrasound-assisted liposuction

Abstract

The trend in breast reduction, as in other types of surgeries, has been a reduction in the length and number of scars. The use of liposuction in the breast has also been gaining in acceptance, although it can be difficult to perform because of the fibrous nature of breast tissue. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) makes liposuction of the breast easy and effective and can be used by itself in selected cases or as an adjunct to shorter scar techniques, expanding their applicability to a larger range of breast sizes. Two representative cases are shown: one showing breast reduction with UAL alone and the other showing resolution of a difficult gynecomastia problem using only the ultrasound device. Preliminary studies show no adverse effect on postoperative mammograms. We have found UAL to also be very useful as an adjunct to other types of breast surgery, such as transverse rectus abdominis musculo-cutaneous (TRAM) flap revisions. Although further investigation is very much needed, we believe that UAL will become a valuable asset not only in surgery of the breast, but in liposuction in general.