It would be a lie to say that women don’t want to feel sexier, especially when it comes to the aftermath of having children. For women who have overcome breast cancer and the emotional and physical scars of surgery, the desire to feel “whole” again can be equally strong. For these reasons among others, the need for breast lifts and breast reconstruction can mean a lot to those who seek it.

As women get older, their bodies and skin changes. The breasts are no exception. Over the years, the skin of the breasts can lose elasticity and firmness, causing them to sag. Other factors that can affect the appearance and status of the breast include weight loss, aging, gravity, breastfeeding, and pregnancy. Women who experience these issues often feel less desirable. In many cases, these women turn to getting a breast lift as a solution. This procedure works to reshape, lift, and firm sagging breasts. Getting a breast lift can also include breast implants to increase cup size but is not necessary for regular breast lifts.

In cases for women who have had part or the entire breast removed through mastectomy, breast reconstruction is often sought out. Recovering from breast cancer can be traumatic enough but the loss of a breast can leave an even deeper emotional scar. The process of breast reconstruction is able to give many women back their sense of femininity. With breast reconstruction, surgery is performed to rebuild the breast contour.

In order to be eligible for these two procedures, you must be evaluated by a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will usually examine the size, measurement and appearance of the breasts and may take photos for reference. Your medical history will be discussed to ensure there will be no complications if you do become eligible for surgery. Breast lift candidates qualify as women whose breasts lack firmness and substance, hang down in a pendulous manner (think of a pendulum that hangs low), and have nipples and areolas that point downwards. During consultation for breast lift surgery, the surgeon will outline where the new position of the nipples and areola will be after surgery is complete. The best candidates for breast reconstruction are women whose cancer has been eliminated through mastectomy. This helps to avoid the possibility of reconstructing a breast that may become re-infected with cancer cells in the future. Because breast reconstruction is a more involved process, your surgeon will go through an extensive review of your options before committing to surgery.

Both breast lifts and breast reconstruction have various techniques when it comes to the actual surgery. Common breast lift surgery entails making three incisions: around the areola, vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease underneath the breast, and horizontally beneath the breast along its natural curve. Excess breast skin is then removed and the nipples and areola repositioned higher. The skin is then brought together and reshaped. The most common technique when it comes to breast reconstruction involves skin expansion. This method entails inserting a balloon expander beneath the skin and chest muscle. Over the next few months, a salt water solution is injected into the balloon, creating an implant. The balloon may be removed and replaced with an actual implant if needed. During this time the skin, nipples, and areola are reconstructed in order to restore a natural appearance.

Insurance may cover breast reconstruction due to mastectomy but it is always best to check with your insurance agent. Breast lift surgery can cost between $2,500-5,500. Breast reconstruction costs vary widely depending on the technique.

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