Breast Augmentation: When You Should – Or Shouldn’t – Have Breast Surgery

Whether or not to have a breast augmentation is a highly personal decision, and the reasons women elect to have this procedure performed are as different and unique as the women themselves. However, no invasive surgical procedure is as simple as getting a haircut or a manicure, and while an excellent, board-certified plastic surgeon will help you achieve a beautiful, successful result, breast augmentation is a choice to be considered very carefully. Here are some of the most common reasons why you might think about having breast augmentation surgery.

“I think larger breasts would be a better fit for my body.”

Many women feel that breast augmentation will help create a more symmetrical body shape, particularly if they have full hips. Many women’s fashions are designed for a breast size between a B and C cup, so clothing may fit more flatteringly and comfortably.

“I recently had a baby, and want my breasts back the way they were!”

It is very common for the body to change significantly post pregnancy, due both to changes in body weight and the effects of breastfeeding. Many women experience dramatic sagging and reduction of dermal elasticity, and wish to surgically restore the firmness of their breasts. A breast augmentation can help return the breasts to their previous, more youthful state.

“I lost a lot of weight, and my breasts look worse than they did before.”

Losing weight suddenly, either naturally or with the assistance of bariatric surgery, may result in sagging skin, causing the breasts to droop. A breast augmentation, or breast lift in conjunction with reduction, may help give the breasts a firmer appearance.

“One breast is larger than the other.”

Most women’s individual breasts differ slightly from one another, with minor variations in either shape or size. However, some women have one breast that may be as much as a cup size larger than the other, making finding clothing and undergarments difficult, and even causing physical discomfort. Breast augmentation can even out asymmetrical breasts, creating a uniform look.

“I’ve had/will have a mastectomy, and I’d like breast reconstruction surgery.”

If you’ve had a partial or double mastectomy, you have no doubt considered breast reconstruction surgery so that your breasts are restored to as much of their pre-surgery condition as possible. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and advised that a mastectomy is the best treatment option, you may want to consult with a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. Dr. Lisa Cassileth has pioneered and perfected the Cassileth One-Stage Breast Reconstruction, which is a total breast reconstruction performed alongside a mastectomy, allowing the patient to emerge from a single surgery with breasts restored to a natural-looking, healthy state.

Making the best decision for you

While the above circumstances are typical for women considering breast enhancement or breast reconstruction, there are also numerous other reasons. However, many of those reasons may not be particularly healthy, or conducive to a successful outcome. These reasons include:

• Pleasing a spouse or partner who is pressuring you.
• You found a surgeon who will perform the breast augmentation cheaply.
• Your employer or potential employer wants you to.

It is extremely important that you consider your options very carefully, and discuss your personal reasons for getting a breast augmentation with your physician. A board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction and augmentation will provide you with the guidance you need to ensure a successful result.

Cassileth Plastic Surgery and Skin Care is proud to offer a medical team of breast specialists with a reputation for delivering exceptional patient care and exquisite results. To learn more about your breast reconstruction options and schedule a consultation, visit the Cassileth Plastic Surgery breast reconstruction page and begin your journey to a new you!