Cosmetic breast surgery is designed to alter the size and shape of the breast for cosmetic reasons. Some surgery however can be done for the primary purpose of correcting a chronic medical condition. Breast reduction surgery for example is designed to remove excessive skin, breast tissue and muscle to reduce the size of a breast that is too large. Breasts that are to large can cause chronic back, neck and shoulder pain since their weight and size pull the spine out of position. Breast reconstructive surgery is another type of cosmetic surgery that has a primary goal to correct a medical condition. Women who have undergone a breast removal due to cancer for example may be able to have the breast reconstructed for cosmetic reasons. Often times these are the two types of surgeries that can be covered by health insurance since the primary goal is to correct a health condition and not just cosmetic.

Other types of cosmetic breast surgeries include breast augmentation which is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Most women are familiar with this type of procedure designed to enlarge and enhance the size of the natural breast. Implants are either constructed out of saline or silicone and each type carries different benefits as well as risk factors.

Breast lift surgery is designed to lift up a breast that is sagging due to gravity either from age or from child bearing and breast feeding. The ideal candidates for this type of procedure are usually finished having children and breast feeding which ensures the surgical results will be long lasting.

If you are considering having any type of cosmetic surgery done you should make sure the doctor you select is a board member of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. This ensures that the doctor you select has actual experience not only as a plastic surgeon but also at least five years of experience as a general surgeon. Many patients gloss over the fact that although it is an elective procedure it is still a surgery and there are risks factors involved. Be sure to discuss the reality of your surgery with your doctor before you decide if surgery is right for you or not. You should fully understand how long you need to recover, the risk factors involved as well as the benefits you can gain from your surgery.

Which ever type of cosmetic breast surgery you are considering be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor. Patients who are generally unhappy with their results are usually unhappy because they went into the procedure with unrealistic expectations that could have been adjusted prior to surgery for better results.