Thousands of women each year report looking and feeling better and having more confidence as a result of breast surgery. Whether you want a cosmetic change to improve feelings about your appearance, you want the size of your breasts reduced to address back pain and other medical concerns, or you want breast reconstruction to address a birth defect or the results of breast cancer treatment, breast surgery can help you reach these goals.

There are five main types of breast surgery:

• Breast augmentation: Uses silicone or saline implants to increase breast size.
• Breast correction: Addresses asymmetry of the breasts or differences in size, shape, or nipple position.
• Breast reduction: Decreases excess skin and tissue in women whose breasts are disproportionate to their body structure. In men, it addresses gynecomastia a condition characterized by excess localized fat or glandular tissue development, or a combination of the two.
• Breast lift: Restores the youthful look and fullness of your breasts.
• Breast reconstruction: Reconstruct the breast after it has been removed or disfigured due to cancer.

As you talk to your plastic surgeon during your initial consultation, the first step toward achieving your new look you may discover that a combination of surgeries is required to achieve the look and feel that you want. The surgeon will help you determine a breast size and shape that will complement the rest of your body. You will also talk about how weight loss, smoking cessation, and other steps before your surgery could impact your outcome.

The surgeon will also talk to you about the possible risks of breast surgery including:

• Difficulties with wound healing
• Scars and asymmetries
• Bleeding
• Infection

Many patients are surprised to learn that breast surgery is outpatient. Augmentation surgery is generally performed through short unobtrusive incisions under the breasts. With breast reduction, the surgeon uses the shortest incision around the areola, continuing vertically to the lower part of the breast and sometimes under the breast. While many can return to work within a week or two of the procedure, healing continues for three to six months.

Based on risk factors and age, some women are encouraged to have a mammogram before surgery. For women choosing silicone implants, the FDA recommends periodic MRIs to evaluate the implants. As the breasts change naturally over time additional surgery may be required. This typically occurs 10 to 12 years after the initial surgery.

Breast surgery can help you get back to exercising, reduce back and neck pain, help you feel more confident about your appearance, and even give you a brighter outlook about your future after illness. Most breast reductions and most reconstruction surgeries are covered by insurance. Find out how breast surgery can benefit you by talking to an experienced plastic surgeon.

Ashley Leberfinger, M.D., is a surgeon who sees patients at UPMC Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport. To make an appointment with Dr. Leberfinger, call 570-326-8005. For more information about plastic and reconstructive services at UPMC in North Central Pa., go to UPMC.com/PlasticsNCPA.