Liposuction breast reduction viable alternative for African-American womenLiposuction breast reduction viable alternative for African-American women

Arlington Heights, Ill. — Results of a recently released study suggest that liposuction breast reduction may offer African-American women a scarless alternative to traditional breast-reduction procedures.

According to the study, which appeared in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery^®, the official medical journal of the Arlington Heights-based American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some African-American women choose not to undergo breast-reduction surgery due to their darker skin being prone to adverse scarring.

The study examined 17 African-American women whose goal was to relieve physical symptoms associated with overly large breasts. All 17 women had liposuction breast reduction. They were studied up to six months after the procedure and all experienced alleviation or significant relief in neck, back and shoulder pain and postural imbalances. Participant interviews found that they thought their quality of life improved significantly, along with their self-esteem, overall health and well-being. No complications and no adverse scarring were reported.

The study noted that one drawback of liposuction breast reduction is that, unlike traditional breast reduction, it does not significantly lift sagging breasts. The study also noted that in most cases, patients’ breasts cannot be reduced as much as through traditional breast-reduction surgery.