Women are choosing breast augmentation surgery – more than any other type of cosmetic surgical procedure – to improve how they feel about their physical appearance, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. More than 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were done in 2017, which is 3 percent higher than the previous year.
Although breast augmentation and cosmetic enhancements are very popular for aesthetic reasons, there is more to breast surgery than looks alone. Following injury or disease, plastic surgery is used to restore the appearance and function of breast tissue and surrounding supporting muscles and tendons – which helps to properly maintain the body’s natural shape.
Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery
There are some basic differences and overlaps between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery focuses on repairing how your body functions as well as how it looks. Often, plastic surgery is done after disease or injury has damaged parts of the body, which can include breast surgery.
Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is done purely for aesthetic purposes, rather than for repairing something on the body.
Because of the reasons behind these procedures, plastic surgery may be covered by insurance, whereas cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance.
Techniques Used by Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons use many different methods to help restore the way your breasts look and feel. These can include skin grafts, moving parts of healthy tissues (skin, fat, blood vessels, etc.) from one part of your body to the site that needs repair.
For example, skin grafts might be performed on areas that suffered damage from burns. Blood vessels moved from another part of the body can help tissues heal and grow.
This type of surgery is used to repair damage caused by:
- Burns
- Birth defects
- Injuries caused by trauma
- Cancers and tumors
How Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Done?
Breast reconstruction surgery may involve using tissue from the patient’s abdomen, back, or buttocks. Sometimes a combination of the patient’s own tissue and implants works best. Implants can be made from different materials, including saline and silicone.
Each reconstruction is tailored for the individual. The type of injury or disease determines how much reconstruction will need to be done, and the timing of reconstruction is very important, too.
Breast reduction surgery is considered plastic surgery if it is done in order to improve the health of the patient, such as to resolve back problems. This is an area where cosmetic and plastic surgery overlap, and both cosmetic and plastic surgeons can perform this type of operation.
Training for Plastic Surgeons
It is very important to make sure that your plastic surgeon has extensive experience and excellent credentials. Board certification is the highest standard for plastic surgeons.
A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed four years of medical school, followed by medical residency and a fellowship. This training includes everything from general surgery to specialized plastic surgery.
Doctors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
If you’re looking for a caring, skilled, highly experienced primary care physician (PCP) and clinic that you can trust, call Intercoastal Medical Group today to schedule an appointment. Our clinic offers plastic surgery services as well as a full breadth of medical expertise and general medicine.
Our medical team sees patients at our offices across the Bradenton and Sarasota area to serve you. You can call us at the location you choose, or fill out our online appointment request form right now. We look forward to taking care of all of your medical needs for a lifetime of health and wellness.
