Women can choose to have cosmetic procedures like breast enhancement to increase fullness and enhance shape, or for breast reduction. Popular procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, and breast reduction for those wanting to change the size or shape of their breasts.

However, not all women choose cosmetic breast surgery voluntarily, as is often the case with those seeking breast reconstructive surgery.

Differences Between Breast Reconstructive Surgery and Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Surgery Motivation

Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Enhancing Appearance: Cosmetic breast surgery enhances the overall cosmetic appearance of the breasts, making them more visually appealing. Women who seek this surgery often want to achieve a specific look that aligns with their personal aesthetic goals.

Size and Symmetry: Breast augmentation helps achieve the right fit for those with naturally small breasts or noticeable asymmetry. This can be done using implants to increase size or fat injections, which create volume and enhance the shape of the breasts.

Lifting and Tightening: Many cosmetic breast surgeries include lifting and tightening the breast tissue to make the results more natural-looking and youthful.

Breast Reduction: Women with large breasts may undergo breast reduction surgery to have smaller and more manageable breasts. This procedure can alleviate physical discomfort and improve the overall proportion of the body.

Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Restoring Form and Function: Breast reconstructive surgery is aimed at patients who have undergone mastectomy, have congenital conditions, or have suffered injuries or illnesses that affected their breasts. The goal is to restore the breast to an acceptable appearance and appropriate size.

Emotional and Physical Benefits: The process of breast reconstruction is rewarding both physically and emotionally. It helps restore the patient’s self-esteem, self-image, and quality of life, making it a deeply transformative experience for many women.

Implant Placement Process

Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Single-Stage Procedure: Cosmetic breast augmentation usually takes about 1-2 hours. During this procedure, implants are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This single-stage surgery allows for a relatively quick recovery and immediate enhancement of the breast’s appearance.

Natural Coverage: Women undergoing cosmetic breast enlargement typically have their natural breast tissue covering the implants. This acts as a protective layer, preventing the implants from being visible and ensuring a more natural look.

Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Two-Stage Process: Implants for breast reconstruction, especially for women who have undergone mastectomy, require a two-stage surgical process. First, the tissue expansion process is done to stretch the breast tissue. This step is crucial for creating enough space for the implants. The final implants are then placed during a second stage surgery.

Tissue Flap: Occasionally reconstructive surgery requiring a flap may also use an implant however is frequently performed alone without implants. This procedure involves a tissue flap taken from the back, stomach, buttock, or thigh. This flap helps restore a natural tissue layer improving the overall appearance and feel of the reconstructed breast.

Insurance coverage

Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Elective Procedures: Cosmetic breast enhancements are considered elective or optional. This means that insurance typically won’t cover these procedures, as they are not deemed medically necessary. However, women should be aware of the costs involved and plan accordingly.
Exception for Breast Reduction: An exception to this is breast reduction surgery, which may be covered by insurance when performed to alleviate physical pain. Women experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts might qualify for insurance coverage for this procedure.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery:
Medically Necessary: Unlike cosmetic breast enhancements, breast reconstructive surgery is considered medically necessary. Insurance companies are required to cover this surgery under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This act ensures that women who have undergone mastectomy receive coverage for breast reconstruction, helping them regain their confidence and quality of life.

Let’s start talking

Cosmetic enhancements and reconstructive surgery are the two main options for breast enhancement. Each serves different purposes and caters to the unique needs of women. If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic breast surgery or breast reconstructive surgery, please schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons at The Julian Institute of Plastic Surgery. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your desired outcomes.