When Breast Surgery Isn't Cosmetic

When you hear someone is having breast surgery, augmentation or lifts likely come to your mind. Augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to increase cup size and shape of the breasts. A breast lift raises sagging breasts to a higher elevation. 

These surgeries can significantly improve a woman’s confidence in her appearance, but they generally don’t have a significant impact on her health. 

Augmentation and breast lifts aren’t the only reasons a person might undergo breast surgery, however.

Many women seek breast surgery for very real medical reasons. At Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, located in Jackson, Mississippi, we offer breast surgery for several non-cosmetic reasons. Here are some of the most common. 

Breast reconstruction

People who have had breast cancer benefit from reconstructive surgery. You may have had one or both breasts removed to eliminate cancerous tissue. A woman at significant risk of developing breast cancer because of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may also elect a mastectomy to decrease their risk. 

Breast reconstruction for people with cancer usually includes a breast lift or augmentation to restore the breasts and create a more “normal” appearance. Having breast reconstruction following a mastectomy is a very personal decision. Not everyone undergoes this non-cosmetic surgery, and that is perfectly fine.

Another reason a person may seek breast reconstruction is to restore breast shape and size following infection, trauma, or disease. 

Asymmetrical breasts

When some women mature, they have one breast that’s clearly larger than the other. The asymmetry may have developed because of irregular growth spurts during puberty or uneven estrogen levels. Asymmetry isn’t only a cosmetic issue, it can also affect your ability to wear certain clothes, like swimsuits and bras. It can also negatively affect your self-esteem. 

We offer breast surgery to help you achieve symmetry between the two sides. 

Micromastia

Augmentation can be cosmetic, but it can also be performed for medical reasons like micromastia. This condition is diagnosed when your breasts don’t develop fully in puberty. Trauma, genetics, surgery, or radiation exposure in childhood can cause micromastia. 

You’re diagnosed with micromastia based on the average breast size for women. Breast augmentation for cases of micromastia greatly improves self-esteem and confidence. It also helps you feel more womanly and fit into clothing appropriately. 

Macromastia

Macromastia is the condition when a woman has disproportionately large breasts that impact their physical and emotional health. Breast reduction isn’t cosmetic in these cases. Instead, it is medically helpful. 

Women with overly large breasts can experience back problems, shoulder pain, and neck strain. Exercise may be difficult because heavy breasts cause discomfort during activity. Women can also develop grooves in their shoulders when their bras carry heavy breasts. 

When you have medical problems associated with large breasts, breast reduction is considered non-cosmetic because it alleviates symptoms. 

Contact Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, to find out more about breast surgery and your eligibility. Call today or use the online tool to set up your consultation.