Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Whether you are looking to change your breast’s appearance or reconstruct the breast after medical conditions such as disease, trauma, or birth defect, plastic surgeons can offer various Breast Augmentation or Reconstruction procedures to meet your unique goals and needs. The difference between cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery will help you determine which procedure best fits your aspirations.

Though some surgeons often employ comparable techniques for both Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgeries, the objectives, surgical planning and outcomes for the two are remarkably dissimilar. Here are the key distinctions.

What is Cosmetic Breast Surgery?

The purpose of this surgical specialty is to enhance the appearance of your breast. You may wish to change breast size, shape, or symmetry according to your preferences. If you decide to have this cosmetic procedure it means that your goals are related to the way you look rather than to medical condition. Many people have cosmetic breast surgery performed to make them feel better about themselves, after breast feeding, significant weight loss or ageing of their breasts.

Some Popular Cosmetic Breast Procedures Include:

• Breast Augmentation using implants

• Breast Lift to improve the breasts’ position

• Breast Reduction to reduce physical discomfort or make breasts look proportional

• Revision of Breast Implants

• Combining Breast Lift with Augmentation
  

Each of these procedures are adapted for each patients’ particular lifestyle and breast shape.

What is Reconstructive Breast Surgery?

This kind of surgery aims to reconstruct the breast after an illness or injury, or it may be an option for the treatment of birth defects. The procedure aims to recreate breast appearance, shape and functionality. The goal is for breast tissue to resume the appearance of a normal breast. Often, breast reconstruction after a Mastectomy performed due to Breast cancer, are commonly performed and may take place soon after surgery or at a later stage in the life of the patients.

Common Types of Breast Reconstruction are:

• Breast reconstruction following Mastectomy

• Breast Reconstruction using implants

• Breast Reconstruction using the body’s own tissue

• Areola and nipple reconstruction

• Reconstructive procedures following traumatic injury

• Surgical corrections for breast deformity from birth

• Follow-up surgery for prior reconstructive procedures
  

Plastic surgeons take your personal medical history into consideration, determine what type of procedure will provide the best results for you and offer a selection of options.

Key Differences Between the Two Procedures

Though the procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries may appear the same they vary a lot:

Objective:

The goals of cosmetic breast surgery are centered around enhancing and transforming appearance. Whereas breast reconstruction surgery restores form and appearance after damage.

Medical Necessity:

The choices for cosmetic breast surgeries are based on the individual preferences. Reconstructive Breast surgeries are usually medically required as a part of cancer treatment, accident victim or if someone has suffered deformities at birth.

Planning:

While planning the breast cosmetic surgery mainly involves attaining ideal results. In case of reconstructive surgery, surgeons plan meticulously considering the post operative and functional concerns too along with the aesthetic issues. Patients are usually asked for information about their past medical treatments and the extent of damage or ailment.

Recovery:

Breast cosmetic surgery recovery period might be short as compared to reconstructive ones which involve more complex procedures. The former requires less medical management in the aftermath of the procedure as compared to the latter.

Similarities Between the Two Types of Surgery

Despite the numerous differences that can distinguish these two kinds of surgical procedures, it’s important to recognize what is common between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery:

• Both are typically performed by certified plastic surgeons

• Require personalized planning and detailed consultations

• Both lead to improved well-being and self esteem

• Both demand adequate and specialised care after the procedure for optimal results

• both demand rigorous examination of each patient's physical as well as personal needs prior to treatment
  

Who is the Right Candidate for Cosmetic Breast Surgery?

• If you are not satisfied with your breast size or shape.

• If you have had changes due to pregnancy or significant weight loss.

• If you are unhappy with your breast symmetry.

• If you are in good general health and not currently undergoing other medical treatments.

• If you understand the risks and rewards of this procedure and have a realistic view of your desired outcome.
  

The surgeon can assist in determining if cosmetic breast surgery is suitable for you based on your objectives during a thorough initial assessment.

Who is the Right Candidate for Reconstructive Breast Surgery?

• You have undergone breast surgery to treat breast cancer.

• You have experienced trauma to your breast area.

• You have a congenital abnormality of the breast.

• you may have experienced issues with past breast surgeries.
  

Plastic surgery professionals work closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan based on their individual circumstances.

Making the Right Choice

The most significant factor in choosing whether cosmetic or reconstructive breast surgery is the best choice for you is an honest assessment of what you hope to achieve from surgery. The two types of breast surgery serve very different purposes, so if you’re hoping for an improvement in your overall appearance through a cosmetic procedure, then the solution will be an aesthetically based surgical procedure; whereas reconstruction is performed to restore form and volume after surgery, disease or injury.

During your first appointment you’ll be provided with detailed information about what’s possible. You can talk through your expectations with the consultant, be physically examined and gain an insight into the different types of breast surgeries you can have.

The decision is entirely personal. Whether it’s Breast Surgery Cape Town or you explore different options all around you, selecting a reputable plastic surgeon and having clear communication at all stages is the most important step in achieving a natural-looking and satisfactory result.

Conclusion

The Goal to boost confidence in both reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery It goes without saying that breast surgery – whether for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons – can bring a wealth of positive changes to your self esteem, comfort levels and quality of life. While the aim is different, there’s a certain skill required for both plastic breast surgery procedures, as well as a planning phase and individualized treatment approach.

If you would like to get better insight into the difference between plastic and reconstructive breast surgery, this may help guide your decisionmaking process when choosing the path for you. If Plastic Surgery SA would be the clinic to perform your breast surgery, our Plastic Surgeons at Plastic Surgery SA welcome you to our clinics for an individualised and honest consultation to discuss all your options and set you realistic expectations.