BOSTON -- Liposuction has been around for years, but doctors are now finding a new use -- breast reduction.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Friday that liposuction can help patients avoid the difficulties of major surgery.

At 27 years old, Stephanie's large chest caused painful back problems and dents in her shoulders.

"Getting dressed for work is the hardest because they're too big so, you know, I was always popping out of stuff, and I want to just wear normal clothes," she said.

Fearful of a traditional breast reduction with its scars, general anesthesia, and lengthy recovery, Stephanie is one of the first people to undergo liposuction to make her breasts smaller.

"We take pretty much as much as you can -- about 1.5 to 2 pounds. In cup sizes, it's a cup, sometimes a cup and a half, sometimes two," said Dr. Niels Krejci-Papa.

Krejci-Papa is the medical director at the Boston University Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. He fills up the breast with a saline solution that has a local anesthetic and epinephrine mixed in.

There is no additional plastic surgery, and removing the fat makes the breasts lighter.

"It heals in a higher position. And so as it heals in this higher position, that's where it stays," Krejci-Papa said.

After the 3-hour procedure and a couple weeks of healing, Stephanie said that she is thrilled with the results.

"The buttons aren't spreading. The fabric isn't stretched, so it's a lot nicer being able to fit into things that the rest of my body is fitting into but these weren't before," she said.

The procedure costs $5,500. Most insurance companies consider it a cosmetic procedure and do not cover it.