Breast Surgery - Four Key Factors When Considering Breast Surgery

It is imperative to choose a doctor that is both experienced and board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Qualified physicians will have at least six years of surgical training and experience, and no less than three years experience with plastic surgery specifically. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references as well as before and after images of his or her clients.

There are five common types of breast surgery: augmentation, reduction, lift, reconstruction and maintenance/revision. Augmentation, or enlarging of the breast via saline or silicone implants, is the most common and popular procedure. Reduction involves the removal of breast tissue to ease physical and/or emotional difficulties caused by above-average breast sizes.

Those women who wish to seek treatment for sagging due to age or other circumstances could benefit from the lift procedure, which contours and removes access skin to rejuvenate the area. Reconstruction is typically reserved for instances of damage or loss of the breast due to cancer or other illness by rebuilding the tissue to restore a natural appearance. Maintenance procedures are performed routinely, typically after 10 or more years after augmentation. All medical “appliances” experience wear and tear over time and need to be either replaced or “tweaked” in order to maintain optimal results. A qualified physician will guide a client in deciding which option is best for them.

The cost of a breast surgery procedure largely depends upon the amount of work performed or needed in each individual circumstance. Typically, augmentations and lifts range from $4,000 to $6,000 dollars, not including anesthesia, which could cost approximately $1,500. Hospital fees could be between $500 to $2,000, with the rest of the bill being surgeon fees. This field of treatment is not typically covered by health insurance plans, so the cost would be completely out of pocket. A patient should always contact the insurance company to make sure there are no consequences for having any of the above procedures. There have been instances where patients were either dropped or their coverage could not be renewed after receiving implants due to the possibility of side effects.

This leads to the final aspect of breast surgery to consider, potential side effects or problems after surgery. These include implant leaks, bottoming out (the appliance lays too low in the tissue, making the nipple point upward), symmastia (implants being too close together) or capsular contraction (the build up of scar tissue that compresses the implant, giving it a distorted appearance). All surgery comes with risk, and these particular side effects are uncommon, but they are a possibility every woman should consider.

The key to remember is that the more questions asked, the better the results will be. With a little homework, time and consideration, a woman can receive the care and attention that will lead to a highly successful and pleasing result.