Because unsatisfactory scars often result when traditional methods of
reduction mammaplasty are performed, techniques that leave less notice
able scars have been advocated recently. One such technique is suction
lipectomy, which has been employed previously, but only for patients
who have well-located, small nipple-areola complexes and whose hypertr
ophy is primarily fat. I have found that concern for the size and loca
tion of the nipple-areola complex and cause of hypertrophy are unfound
ed. Thus reduction mammaplasty by suction alone may be the technique o
f choice in certain patients. Eleven patients had reduction mammaplast
y by suction alone and obtained aesthetically pleasing breasts that ha
d good sensation and minimal scars. As a result, the method is suggest
ed for selected patients: those with minimal to moderately large breas
ts.