African American woman are more prone to scarring after surgery as a result of their darker skin pigmentation, which often prevents them from having breast reduction to ease the physical symptoms linked to overly heavy or large breasts.

However, new research has found that liposuction may offer dark-skinned woman a new, scarless alternative to conventional breast reduction procedures.

“Through this less invasive procedure, patients experienced no scarring, a decrease or elimination of physical symptoms, and an increase in self-esteem and quality of life,” said study author Dr. Sherwood Baxt.

ASPS Study

The study—published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' (ASPS) official medical journal—involved 17 African American participants who underwent breast reduction with liposuction to alleviate breast-related pains. Before opting for surgery, all patients tried non-surgical treatments such as strengthening exercises, chiropractic care, and physical therapy to relieve symptoms.

Post-surgery, all participants said they felt significant back, neck, and shoulder pain relief and reported improved self-esteem, quality of life, and overall well-being. No complications of the liposuction breast reduction surgery or unsightly scarring was reported.

The Drawbacks

According to Dr. Baxt, liposuction breast reduction is effective in removing fat rather than gland tissue and is not optimal for lifting excessively large or sagging breasts.

While patients will see an improvement in physical ailments and scarring, their breasts will not appear much smaller or lifted.

“Traditional breast reduction is still the gold standard—offering patients the trifecta of volume reduction, relieve of physical symptoms, and lift,” said Dr. Walter Erhardt of the ASPS.

Patients should discuss all their options with a qualified and trusted board certified plastic surgeon. Please click here to find a surgeon near you.