Breast Augmentation Vs. Reconstruction

Dissatisfaction with your breasts affects how you view your body. Breast augmentation and breast reconstruction exist to tackle this dissatisfaction. Both these procedures may seem similar, but some aspects set them apart. 

Read on for a deep dive into breast augmentation and reconstruction differences.  

What are breast augmentation and reconstruction?

Breast augmentation is the insertion of implants or fat over or under the chest muscle to increase breast size. Breast reconstruction uses implants or tissue from other parts of your body to recreate breasts. It is necessary after a surgeon completely removes them during a mastectomy. It may involve recreating the areola, nipples, lymph nodes, and breast tissue. 

Reasons for requiring breast augmentation vs. reconstruction

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery patients seek for the following reasons:

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  • To achieve breast symmetry. 
  • To improve self-confidence. 
  • To increase their breast size. 

Patients seek breast reconstruction to rebuild missing tissue removed during a mastectomy. A mastectomy is a surgery to partially or entirely remove breast tissue. 

Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction Comparison

Breast augmentationBreast reconstruction
Surgery costs between 6000 and 12000 USDSurgery costs between 5000 and 15000 USD per breast.
Total recovery happens in 6 months.Complete recovery happens in a year.
Insurance does not cover augmentation.Insurance covers reconstruction.
They are considered cosmetic surgery.They are regarded as medical surgery. 

Types of breast augmentation and reconstruction

The two types of breast augmentation are over or under the muscle. The former involves inserting implants right under the skin. It allows for bigger implant sizes because of the skin’s elasticity. The latter type involves inserting the implants under the chest muscle. It gives better support to implants and allows for more natural-looking results. 

The two types of breast reconstruction are using implants and using body tissue in breast reconstruction. A surgeon first places a tissue expander under the skin of the former. They increase the saline solution in the expander to create a cavity. Afterward, they replace the expander with breast implants in the cavity. In the latter, surgeons take body tissue and reconnect it to the blood vessels in the chest area.

Cost of breast augmentation and reconstruction

The cost of breast augmentation ranges between 6000 and 12000 USD. This is because it only involves placing implants or transferring fat. It is an outpatient procedure with a relatively straightforward recovery process and aftercare.

Breast reconstruction costs range from 5000 to 15000 USD per breast. The procedure is more complex and has a longer recovery time. Fortunately, insurance can step in and cover surgery costs. 

Recovery time for breast augmentation and reconstruction

After breast augmentation surgery, you can leave the hospital on the same day. You will be able to resume regular activities in 4 to 6 weeks. Breast augmentation recovery over the muscle happens faster than under the muscle. It will take up to 6 months for your implants to fully settle and the scars to fade. 

After breast reconstruction surgery, your surgeon may need you to stay in the hospital for up to a week. Patients can expect to resume normal activities 6 to 8 weeks after discharge. It might take a shorter time if implants are inserted without flaps. It will take up to one year for your scars to heal completely and for the implants to settle fully. 

Insurance coverage for breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery

Since breast augmentation happens for aesthetic purposes, insurance companies will not cover costs. 

Breast reconstruction is a medical necessity after a mastectomy. The law outlines that insurance companies cover reconstruction costs. Your insurance plan should help with the costs. 

Conclusion

Choosing a breast augmentation surgeon who thoroughly explains them to you goes a long way in determining which is best for you. We have over fifteen years of experience in plastic surgery. They have enabled us to sharpen our craft and meet your expectations. Visit our breast augmentation gallery to see satisfied patients who went on to find happiness. 

Book a consultation for breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Tarek. He is a member of the most prestigious Plastic Surgery Societies worldwide: the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS), and the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC)

Frequently asked questions

  • Loss of skin sensation that occurs when nerves get damaged during surgery. Usually, skin sensation goes back to normal during recovery. If not, your surgeon can prescribe medication to handle the problem. They may also take you through physical therapy. 
  • Implant rupture occurs when the silicone or saline implants tear and the fluid inside starts leaking into the body. It is characterized by gradually increasing pain, swelling, and firmness of the breasts. 
  • Capsular contraction occurs when scar tissue forms around the implants and exerts a force on them. This force causes them to collapse, and you experience chronic pain and a change in breast shape. Surgery is the only solution for capsular contraction. 
  • Tissue necrosis. The tissue transferred to the breast can die due to a lack of adequate blood and oxygen. A surgeon has to remove the dead tissue. You have to wait up to a year afterward to retry the tissue transfer again. 
  • Implant displacement. The implants in the breast cavity may shift with time and, in extreme cases, flip.

Implants inserted during breast augmentation and reconstruction stay in place permanently.  It is a common misconception that you must replace your implants every ten years. They only need to be replaced in case of implant rupture or capsular contraction.

The implants used in breast augmentation and reconstruction are similar. They are either saline or silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with fluid after insertion and allow for minor adjustments. Silicone implants come pre-filled with silicone gel before insertion.

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Dr. Tarek Bayazid is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “ISAPS”, and the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS). He is proudly a member of the most prestigious societies worldwide such as the Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course – MAFAC from Australia by the eminent Dr.Mendelson.