New York, NY (May 03, 2001) — Many women have wished for breast reduction surgery that would reduce size, improve shape and result in minimal scarring. Reduced-scar breast reduction techniques offer these advantages to properly selected patients. "The ultimate reduced-scar procedure uses lipoplasty [liposuction] and results in less than a half-inch scar," says plastic surgeon Daniel Morello, MD, of White Plains, NY. "This technique eliminates painful symptoms associated with large breasts, and recovery is faster and easier than with traditional methods." Dr. Morello, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), moderates a panel, "Scarless Breast Reduction: Role of Lipoplasty," at the ASAPS Annual Meeting, May 3-9, in New York.

According to Dr. Morello, the lipoplasty-only technique, which can result in a breast reduction of 2 bra-cup sizes or more, is safe and helps to preserve breast sensation.

Another reduced-scar technique for breast reduction, dubbed the "lollipop" incision because the incision is around the nipple area with a line extending vertically down the breast, is derived from a technique popularized in Europe. The "lollipop" technique eliminates a third incision, which is horizontal and hidden in the breast crease, used in the traditional "anchor" or "inverted T" method. Thomas Biggs, MD, who co-chairs a May 3 ASAPS seminar on minimally invasive breast surgery, predicts a surge in the popularity of the "lollipop" incision. "It needs to be emphasized, though, that no single technique is equally beneficial to all patients," cautions Dr. Biggs. "There are many women for whom the traditional methods of breast reduction may still offer the best improvement."

DANIEL C. MORELLO, MD, AND THOMAS M. BIGGS, MD, ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS. CONTACT THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE.