Breast Augmentation and Reduction

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According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2006, nearly 11.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in the United States, an increase of 98 percent in the last decade. Additionally, for the first time, breast augmentation surgery—a procedure that increases breast size and volume—surpassed liposuction as the number one surgical cosmetic procedure for women, with more than 380,000 procedures performed.

As breast aesthetic surgery becomes more common, past stereotypes and stigmas are changing. In a recent NWHRC survey, 53 percent of women say they are more accepting of breast augmentation than they used to be. Women surveyed described other women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery as confident (60 percent) and feminine (61 percent).

On the opposite end of the spectrum of breast aesthetic surgery is breast reduction. This procedure, which may be considered a cosmetic surgical procedure, is often performed to relieve significant physical and emotional problems resulting from overly large and/or heavy breasts. In 2006, 104,455 breast reductions were performed, a 23 percent increase over 2000.

Whether you choose to have your breasts increased, lifted or reduced, it's important that you understand not only the benefits of the procedures, but the risks, costs, and various surgical options available to you.

It's also important that you choose the right plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, have privileges at a local hospital and be trained in the technique you've chosen. Always ask about your surgeon's experience, complication rates and why he or she recommends a particular procedure. And don't be afraid to get a second opinion—if your insurance is paying for the procedure, it will usually cover the cost of a second opinion.

Also ask to speak to several former patients about their experiences, whether they were happy with the surgeon and how they feel about their breasts today.

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