Breast augmentation was reported to be one of the top 5 cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2020. With breast augmentation, you get to go a cup or more sizes higher and achieve a fuller and rounder busty look. On the other hand, breast reduction helps you reduce your breast effectively and possibly relieve you of the weight and pressure of large breasts. Either way, they are both breast cosmetic surgeries and can be life-changing.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to increase your breast size by placing breast implants under the breast tissue and chest muscles. It is also known as augmentation mammoplasty.
Women opt for breast augmentation to:
- Enhance their appearance, especially if they have small breasts or have breasts that are disproportionate or asymmetrical
- Make up for the loss in breast tissue after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or aging
- Correct uneven breasts following breast surgery for conditions like cancer, lumps, etc.
- Boost self-confidence
Breast augmentation is not a once-and-done procedure because the implants do not last forever and need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Who is an ideal candidate for breast augmentation?
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if:
- You are in good health
- You are within a healthy weight range
- You are at least 18 years old (for saline implants) or at least 22 years old (if you want silicone implants)
- Your breasts are fully developed
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is the opposite of breast augmentation. It is a plastic surgery procedure performed to reduce the size of your breasts. In this procedure, excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed from your breast. Women with large breasts who suffer neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and other forms of discomfort are ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery. Men with gynecomastia (male breasts) also benefit from the surgery.
Breast reduction results usually last long because the glandular and fibrous tissue removed hardly grows back. However, you may develop more fatty tissue if there is significant weight gain.
Who is an ideal candidate for breast reduction?
Having large breasts can cause physical and psychological problems. They may make you feel more self-conscious and affect your self-image. Additionally, the weight of large breasts can cause physical pain, irritation, and discomfort. You are best suited for a breast reduction surgery if:
- You are generally healthy
- You are well informed about the procedure and know what to expect
- You feel your breasts are too large and heavy
- Your breasts limit your physical activity
- The weight of your breasts gives you neck, shoulder, and back pain.
- You are a nonsmoker
- You get skin irritations beneath the breast crease
Are breast augmentation and breast reduction surgeries covered by insurance?
Breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic and elective surgery, hence, it is not covered by insurance. Under normal circumstances, breast reduction surgeries are also regarded as cosmetic procedures. However, if the procedure is proven medically necessary, it may be considered a reconstructive procedure and covered by the insurance company.
Why us?
At LPS, we have a team of highly skilled professionals devoted to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. We provide a full range of cosmetic procedures including minimally-invasive and nonsurgical treatments. We deliver highly individualized care to our patients and have high success rates and testimonials from clients to show for it.
