Women choose to get breast plastic surgery for a wide variety of reasons. For instance, they may be displeased with the current size of their breasts and may therefore be seeking to change their breast size. Surgically increasing the size of one’s breasts is typically referred to as breast augmentation surgery.

Reducing the size of one’s breasts is known as breast reduction surgery. If a woman has breast cancer and gets a single mastectomy (one breast removed) or a double mastectomy (both breasts removed) and she chooses to have a surgeon rebuild or reconstruct her breast tissue, this procedure is called breast reconstructive surgery. A breast lift involves lifting the breast tissue to make the overall line of the bosom higher. There are other forms of breast plastic surgery, but these are the primary types. For more information on these different types of breast plastic surgery, please read on.

Breast augmentation surgery involves placing a bag made of silicone and filled with salene (or salt water) under the breast or under both the breast and the pectoral muscle. The insertion of this implant in each breast makes the breasts appear larger and more shapely. Some surgeons make their incision under the breast, others within the area surrounding the nipple (the areola, the armpit or the bellybutton). Patients can discuss these different options with their doctors. In addition, patients typically get to select what size breasts they want to have when the surgery is over.

Of course, as is true of any kind of surgical procedure, there are risks, including the risk of infection, bleeding, hardening or distorting of the breast tissue, swelling, bruising, calcification, pain, leakage, asymmetry, deflation and/or autoimmune disease. A doctor will discuss all of these possible scenarios with a patient and answer any questions about them prior to performing surgery.

It’s very important to note that most women who get breast augmentation surgery report to their doctors that they are extremely pleased with the results. On average this form of breast plastic surgery costs between $4,000 and $10,000.

As the name implies, breast reduction surgery involves reducing the size and amount of tissue in the breasts. Most women who undergo breast reduction surgery report to their doctors that they are very happy with the results. They often state that their clothing fits them better and that they no longer struggle with back pain and poor posture. This form of breast plastic surgery typically costs anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery? Anyone who struggles with low self esteem, poor posture, deep bra strap grooves, rashes beneath their breasts and other related problems because of their large breast size. One point to bear in mind with this form of surgery is that most doctors will not perform it until a woman reaches the age of 20 and the doctor can be sure that she is no longer developing.

In some instances this form of surgery can be considered a medical necessity and therefore not cosmetic, meaning that sometimes insurance companies will cover part or all of the costs. Insurers typically make these decisions on a case by case basis, but anyone interested in getting this type of breast plastic surgery should ask their doctor about this possibility.

Reconstructive plastic surgery following breast cancer replaces the breast tissue, skin and nipple that the patient had removed. Many (though not all), women who undergo a single or double mastectomy ultimately later opt to get this kind of surgery. Please know that this type of breast surgery is not considered plastic or cosmetic surgery by the medical profession, but rather it is categorized as reconstructive surgery. There can be a long recovery period following this type of surgery because it is quite involved. Because this form of surgery is not considered cosmetic, it is often at least partially covered by many insurance companies.