Are Breast Lifts Just a Cosmetic Procedure?

The three main types of breast plastic surgery

The size, shape, and position of your breasts affect your wardrobe, your proportions, and your ego. These are all great reasons to seek plastic surgery to achieve a look and feel that will boost your confidence. Depending on your unique breasts and your aesthetic goals, you may choose from three main types of plastic surgery procedures:

1. Breast augmentation

If you feel like your breasts are too small, and you’ve always longed for a more voluptuous look, a breast augmentation enlarges your breasts. Using implants filled with either saline or silicone, Dr. Polavarapu can change the size and shape of your breasts. This procedure has been the number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States since 2006, with almost 300,000 procedures performed every year.

2. Breast lift

As gravity and age take their toll on your breast tissue, it begins to sag and droop. Large-breasted women may even notice a pendulum effect as their once firm, full breasts lose volume and swing like weighted sacks. A breast lift repositions your wayward breasts and secures them higher on your chest once again.

3. Breast reduction

Some women have exceedingly large breasts that make it difficult to wear tops and bras and also pose a challenge when participating in sports and hobbies. A breast reduction removes excess tissue to achieve a more balanced chest size, as well as relieves back pain due to being “front-loaded.”.

In addition to these three cosmetic procedures, there are other types of breast surgeries, such as mastectomies when necessary as a treatment for breast cancer, and reconstruction to restore breasts after a mastectomy or other trauma.

Medical reasons for breast plastic surgery

Most breast plastic surgeries are purely cosmetic. In fact, breast augmentation procedures are always considered an elective surgery, as the only benefit is cosmetic. But there are exceptions for some procedures.

Breast lift surgery may address some physical symptoms, such as:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Rashes
• Infections
• Physical limitations
• Difficulty sleeping

Sagging breasts can cause a range of physical symptoms that may resolve with a breast lift. However, most of these symptoms are typically the result of oversized breasts, so breast reduction surgery in addition to a breast lift is often the best solution.

Is a breast lift just a cosmetic procedure?

The answer is yes and no. A breast lift delivers undeniable cosmetic benefits, but in some cases, the procedure may be medically necessary. However, keep in mind that your physical symptoms (pain, skin issues, etc.) are likely related to the weight and size of your breasts, so a breast reduction is either the more advisable treatment or at least a necessary complement. The only way to know for sure is to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Polavarapu.

If you’re dissatisfied with the look and feel of your breasts, or if you’re wondering whether your back and neck pain and other symptoms can be relieved by a breast lift or breast reduction, call us at 817-615-8576 to schedule an appointment, or book a consultation online today.

*Check with your insurance company for exact coverage policies.