17 Nov 2009

Liposuction for Breast Reduction

Liposuction for Breast Reduction

Liposuction is a very attractive option for breast reduction, primarily because it spares the breast from conspicuous scars. It is most successful when the breasts have a good shape with little ptosis (the areola is not too far below the inframammary fold), the breast tissue is not dense (gland can’t be reduced by liposuction), and the amount of reduction required is not more than one or two cup sizes. Be sure to discuss this option with your plastic surgeon if you are considering breast reduction.

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Michael Kreidstein, MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
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58 Comments

  • Posted on Feb 16 2016 By kreidstein-user

    Liposuction for breast reduction relies on there being sufficient fat (‘non-dense breasts’) to allow fat removal to be significant. This can only be determined by examination, or by mammography. Please arrange for your MD to refer you to us for a consultation.


  • Posted on Feb 12 2016 By Alexandra

    Hi Dr Kreidstein,
    I am heavily considering this type of breast reduction. I am in my 20s, am not interested in lots of cutting or scarring, and have not had children yet. Is it true that liposuction only breast reduction leaves you with the best chances to breast feed? Also, I am a DD and would like to be at a C. Is this much reduction attainable with liposuction?


  • Posted on May 27 2015 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    You need to see a plastic surgeon to determine whether you are a candidate for breast surgery. It is unlikely that your back pain will be improved unless you have a dramatic reduction in breast size.


  • Posted on May 27 2015 By Kat

    Hi there,
    I am 24, 5’5 and approximately 115 pounds. My breasts have never been on the bigger side, biggest measurement was D cup. My problem is, my left breast is significantly smaller (in my opinion any way..). It has been impossible for me to find a proper bra, either one is constantly “spilling out” or the other has extra fabric :(. It’s extremely uncomfortable both physically and mentally, especially my upper back/shoulders/neck. It’s often put me in tears, and have even gone as far as going to the hospital for severe pain.. The doctor had said there was basically nothing he could do and that I should just take tylenol. I’ve been taking a combination of tylenol and muscle relaxers, and could literally take them every day- but I try not to. I want a solution, not a bandaid. My huge concern is that I really do not have the money for surgery, and have heard there are strict rules getting it covered. I suppose I am just looking for some direction, is there any point to me going to the doctor again?


  • Posted on Mar 29 2015 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    Just ask for a referral for breast reduction. We will consider all options at your visit.


  • Posted on Mar 25 2015 By BB

    I have tried to get a referal from by Family doctor but she said such procedures don’t exist… Clearly it does so I am wondering do i have to have a referal to be assessed for this?


  • Posted on Mar 15 2015 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    Recovery is much easier than for an excision all procedure, and there is far less damage to milk ducts, but it is still a surgical procedure and so some tissue injury occurs. The extent of reduction possible depends on the relative amount of fat vs. gland in the breast.


  • Posted on Mar 15 2015 By BB

    How is the recovery after a liposuction for breasts?
    Is there any possibility of damaging milk ducts?
    This is the first time I hear about this procedure and is it something that most doctors who perform breast reduction or/and lipo will be able to do?
    I am also wondering why can it only be reduced 2 cup sizes? why not more?


  • Posted on Aug 9 2014 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    We would be happy to review your case, but would caution that an infection and bad result does not mean that your surgeon did something wrong. If you otherwise are confident in your surgeon, you would do well to continue under their care. It will typically take up to a year for the tissues to settle after infection, and at that time a revision could be planned


  • Posted on Aug 8 2014 By Distressed Patient

    I am 6 weeks post op from a OHIP covered reduction. I feel something went wrong because I ended up infected and now one of my breast has a weird shape and feels like something is attached to the muscles in my chest. Its so tight that I cannot even lift my arm above my head as I feel like its going to rip the breast. I am very worried about returning to the same surgeon and was wondering if you would be willing to review me and see if you can help me? I am in a lot of pain and discomfort even though the wounds have closed up.


  • Posted on Jul 13 2014 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    We can make an application to OHIP for reduction based on asymmetry. Please arrange a referral from your MD.


  • Posted on Jul 13 2014 By Brittany

    Hello, I believe I have breast asymmetry and I’m very insecure and ashamed of it. I feel so uncomfortable in my own body and always have, does OHIP cover the surgery for breast asymmetry? I’m a single mom and can’t afford it 🙁


  • Posted on Apr 7 2014 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    It is possible to have a second OHIP breast reduction. The extra tissue under your arms is usually treated with liposuction, and is not covered by OHIP. It is quite common to combine this with your breast reduction.


  • Posted on Apr 7 2014 By Ati

    Hi, I had my breast reduction surgery in 2007 from DD and E to big C, then I got pregnant in 2009 and now my breasts are big, very heavy and saggy again, I have shoulders groove and upper back pain, and back to a small DD, I was wondering if OHIP will pay for the 2nd BR.
    Also I have extra breast tissue under my arms, is it covered to remove them? Can it be done at the same time as BR?


  • Posted on Jan 27 2014 By Dr. Michael Kreidstein

    You don’t need to add liposuction to a breast reduction. I am aware that some plastic surgeons ‘require’ this, but to put it delicately, this is not a medical requirement.


  • Posted on Jan 27 2014 By imaliljukebox

    hey there. I am a 35 year old woman with a 40J chest..Ive been told that OHIP will cover a breast reduction but not the liposuction. I am on ODSP due to this problem and my income is very limited. If i were able to get the surgery, it would mean much more of a chance of being able to find and keep a job. right now im not able to stand for more than about half an hour without being in great pain.
    is there there any chance ohip might take this into consideration for the lipsosuction as im simply not able to afford it.


  • Posted on Nov 11 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Liposuction is never covered by OHIP. That said, you could consider seeing another practice (like us!) as our fees would be less.


  • Posted on Oct 31 2013 By Trudy L Bauer

    I am scheduled for a breast reduction in feb of 2014..i am going with the lyposuction on the sides of each breast….is there no way that my family dr can somehow recommend to ohio that without having lyposuction done…it would be astetically and symetrically not only physically for me to have it done…but medically more beneficial …is there anyway at all that ohip can cover either all or even half of the $3100.00 extra that it is goi g to cost for he lyposuction?
    Thanks for you time…


  • Posted on Sep 12 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Liposuction is not covered by OHIP, regardless of the application. If your MD sens us a referral letter indicating that you have significant symptoms caused by large breasts, then your consultation is covered by OHIP.


  • Posted on Sep 11 2013 By Natalia

    Hi!
    I’m thinking of getting my breast reduced and am positive that I qualify under OHIP criteria to get covered.
    What I don’t understand is:
    1. I was under impression that OHIP covers only traditional breast reduction. What about breast liposuction? Is it covered partly? Or not at all?
    2. Since a personal consultation is the best to assess an issue and see what can/can’t be done, I was wondering how much it costs (consultation)


  • Posted on Aug 25 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Age is not a limit on OHIP coverage of breast reduction. We generally can provide surgery within 6 months of consultation (sometimes sooner).


  • Posted on Aug 23 2013 By Maddy

    I have large breasts but I am only 18 yrs. old, could I still be covered by insurance? Also, how long is the average waiting time after booking appointment, before surgery occurs? Thanks


  • Posted on Aug 19 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Yoa,
    I can answer a few of your questions.
    1. Drains are not necessary in general
    2. OHIP will cover a second breast reduction if the criteria are met for breast reduction.


  • Posted on Aug 14 2013 By Yoa G.

    Hi Dr. Kreidstein!. I had breast reduction covered by OHIP about 2 years ago, and also paid for the liposuction (i had a very even, nice shape=rounded, a not sagy=up). Few days after surgery I noticed many issues such as: still big, difference size each, bad shape=deform, separated, and even in a lower level. I mentioned to the doctor but just tried to convince me of the contrary, witch never worked. I also totally believed that he did not performe the lipo on the sides (avoid uniboob). I ask mentioned to the doctor but he said he did, witch again…i really dont think so.
    *How many drenage bags do i supossed to have without the lipo and how many with the lipo?
    *How many sizes can reduce as max.? (he took to little).
    * Can I have a second BR covered by OHIP?
    * What can I do if I paid for the liposuction but did not had it?(he keeps dening it but, still looks like uniboob- was good before). Please help!.

    He also never mentioned the vertical pattern to me, can that be a better option for me?

    Thanks for doing this and kindly answer our questions.


  • Posted on May 21 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    We have had success with applications to OHIP for significant asymmetry, but it is on a case-by-case basis.


  • Posted on May 20 2013 By Amanda

    Will OHIP or extended health accounts cover a breast augmentation/ implants if your breasts are different sizes?


  • Posted on Apr 22 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Our practice is dedicated to clinical plastic surgery, and we maintain both a private practice operating room and hospital operating room privileges so that our patients do not have to wait long for surgery.


  • Posted on Apr 22 2013 By Diane Larabie

    I would really like a first consultation. Also, is there a long waiting list if I opt for surgery? I live in Timmins.


  • Posted on Apr 21 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Diane,
    We would need to consult your oncologic breast surgeon to confirm that they were confident in using liposuction on the involved breast. Our next problem is that OHIP does not pay for liposuction, even when used for reconstructive purposes. We do discount our fees for reconstructive surgery, but facility and anesthetist fees will still need to be covered.


  • Posted on Apr 18 2013 By Diane Larabie

    I am considering a liposuction breast reduction but I had a left breast cancer lumpectomy & radiotherapy in December 2010. My breasts are asymetrical and large ( 36DD). Would I qualify for OHIP coverage? I am 63 years old.


  • Posted on Apr 13 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Strictly speaking, and surgery will involve some scarring. Liposuction creates very little visible scarring, and may be an option for you.


  • Posted on Apr 12 2013 By firouzeh

    Hi
    I was wondering if you perform Scar less breast reduction surgery. I was wondering if you could send me some information.
    Thanks


  • Posted on Jan 19 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Su,
    Liposuction breast reduction fees range from $3000 to $4500. OHIP criteria for breast reduction are complex, but in general if you wear a DD bra (or bigger) and have a referral from your GP attesting to your severe symptoms, a successful application is likely. If you don’t meet OHIP criteria, a $6000 fee is typical.


  • Posted on Jan 17 2013 By Su

    Hi Dr. Kreidstein,

    What is the typical cost of breast reduction at your practise and the cost of liposuction breast reduction? Just curious because i’m in the process of starting to save money for my surgery.

    Do you know if theres a guarantee that ohip would be able to cover a percentage of my breast reduction surgery? or does it vary depending on the needs of every patient?

    thanks


  • Posted on Jan 9 2013 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Meg,
    Yes, liposuction is not covered under OHIP. It is a bizarre policy, because doing liposuction does not define a procedure as cosmetic, but compared to most insurance policies OHIP is pretty good! That said, a vertical pattern (or any technique) of excisional breast reduction is covered by OHIP. If you see a surgeon who tells you otherwise, you are best to find another surgeon rather than try to talk him/her out of a cosmetic fee.


  • Posted on Jan 3 2013 By meg

    Is it correct that liposuction preformed as a part of a breast reduction is not covered under OHIP? I was told at a consultation with another surgeon that a vertical reduction would not be covered.


  • Posted on Dec 5 2012 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Su,
    Liposuction is a good option for people with breasts that have good shape, and contain substantial fat (vs. gland). The fat content of breasts can be estimated at consultation, or by mammogram. If there is low fat content, a reduction of only one cup may be possible, which may not be enough to justify the procedure for you. We look forward to meeting with you to give you an opinion about the option of liposuction breast reduction for you.


  • Posted on Dec 5 2012 By Su

    Hi there,

    My bra size is 36J and i would like to have breast reduction by liposuction. I’d like to think i have a fairly average body weight for my height and age (21) I’m not over weight and my breast are in okay shape… besides the fact that they are very heavy and give me back problems. Would i be a good candidate for breast lipo?

    I would just like to know or get a brief rundown before booking a consultation with you.

    thanks!


  • Posted on Jul 11 2012 By Dr. Kreidstein

    We work with three companies that provide financing for patients.


  • Posted on Jul 10 2012 By melisa

    is there payment plans


  • Posted on Mar 5 2012 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Melanie,
    Provided you do not have a ‘free nipple graft’ breast reduction, breast feeding should still by possible.


  • Posted on Mar 3 2012 By Melanie

    Is it still possible to breast feed after having breast reduction surgery using the popsicle approach??


  • Posted on Feb 29 2012 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Amy,
    The symptoms you describe would be improved by breast reduction. Once we see you in consultation, we would submit an application to OHIP and expect an approval within 6 weeks.


  • Posted on Feb 17 2012 By Amy

    I have very dense breast tissue and have a DD cup size. I have numbness in my arms from the knots and tension in my shoulders and neck. I get rashes and severe skin peeling beneath my breasts. I believe OHIP would cover a reduction for me, but I would like to come down in size to a B cup. Is that possible, and would OHIP cover the necessary work to give me the comfortably breasts I dream of?


  • Posted on Jun 15 2011 By Dr. Kreidstein

    An application can be made for OHIP coverage of breast reduction surgery. Generally, a patient who has significant back or neck pain from large breasts (>D cup) can anticipate coverage, but enough breast tissue (at least one cup size) must be removed for OHIP coverage to be justified.


  • Posted on Jun 9 2011 By Tina

    Is breast reduction covered by OHIP?


  • Posted on May 29 2011 By Dr. Kreidstein

    We don’t offer elective surgery to non-Canadian residents, but many of our patients come from outside of Toronto. We will review photos and complete a phone interview, and if all parties are interested in proceeding we arrange an in-person consultation for a day or two before surgery.


  • Posted on May 28 2011 By Alin

    Hi
    Do you perform breast reduction surgeries for non residents of Canada. Aslo do you do telephone consultation or accept photos from persons who live outside of Toronto to evaluate their sitaution


  • Posted on May 25 2011 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Breast augmentation is a significant investment. There is no perfect way to find a surgeon, and there may be several surgeons in your community able to serve you well. Meeting a surgeon at his/her practice is an essential step, do your research, and don’t trust everything you read on the internet. Fees vary between practices and types of implants, but in our practice $6-8000 is typical.


  • Posted on May 24 2011 By Amber

    So i have the breasts of a 12 year old boy and i’m 27 now and i think its about time i went with the implants. But how do you know what surgeon is right for you? And what is the cost??


  • Posted on Feb 7 2011 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Aija,
    Breast reduction, by excision or liposuction, will improve back/shoulder pain. Liposuction is generally very useful in post-menopausal women because their breasts are mostly fat (rather than glandular). The disadvantage of loose skin after liposuction must be compared to the disadvantage of scars following an excisional breast reduction.


  • Posted on Feb 7 2011 By aija

    I am 63 and have very large breasts. I am also overweight. Having some back/shoulder pain recently and chiropracter suggested sports bra to relieve pressure on the shoulders. Seems to work as atemporary solution. Would breast reduction (liposuction) be a solution
    Thanks


  • Posted on Jan 25 2011 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Nindy,
    Costs for breast liposuction are $3000 to $4000. Breasts may remain swollen and tender for several weeks, but daily activities should be unrestricted after three days.


  • Posted on Jan 25 2011 By Nindy

    What is the cost and recovery time for liposuction for breasts?


  • Posted on Jan 23 2011 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Nancy,
    Inquiries about specific issues are common on message boards, but it is impossible to recieve good advice without a personal consultation. We occassionally will give an opinion based on photos, but ultimately you will need to meet with a surgeon to make progress in solving these problems.


  • Posted on Jan 20 2011 By nancy

    i had breast reduction many years ago..i still have the scars, since menopause they have gotten bigger, would lipo be right for me..also, lipo for back fat..very unatrractive


  • Posted on Sep 2 2010 By Dr. Kreidstein

    Hi Anne,
    Liposuction may be a consideration several months after the implant surgery, but it is likely your surgeon will find an implant size that can correct for any size discrepancy. Implants will not correct for problems of unequal breast height or shape.


  • Posted on Sep 2 2010 By Anne

    Could liposuction be used to correct breast asymmetry in a breast augmentation revision, when using implants of different sizes would not be useful because the volume sizes differ by too large of increments? For example with cohesive gel implants, sizes differ by approx 50 grams or cc’s, whereas with saline the implants, a difference of only20 to 30 cc can be created.


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