Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Reconstruction

 Are you looking to improve your confidence and body image? Breast augmentation and breast reconstruction in Dubois, PA can both use implants to change breast symmetry and shape, but they serve very different purposes. Breast augmentation is chosen to enhance breasts that are already healthy, while reconstruction rebuilds breast tissue after mastectomy or another medical procedure. Understanding which category your situation falls into makes your next steps much simpler. 

At LaBrasca Plastic Surgery, Dr. Algie LaBrasca performs both procedures and can help you understand which breast implant surgery applies to your situation. Call today to schedule a consultation and get your questions answered. 

The basics of breast augmentation  

Breast augmentation is a popular surgery that uses medical-grade implants to increase breast size, restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes, or correct a flat chest. Patients choose this procedure electively, often to feel more proportional or confident in their body, and the surgery focuses purely on cosmetic enhancement. 

During a consultation, Dr. LaBrasca will help you select the implant size, shape, and placement that best fits your frame and goals. Elective breast implant surgery typically takes 1 – 2 hours, and most patients return to normal activities within a week or two. 

Rebuilding the breast through reconstruction 

Breast reconstruction rebuilds one or both breasts after they've been removed or altered due to cancer treatment, injury, or a congenital condition. The goal is to restore breast symmetry and a natural-looking shape, so the results feel balanced and whole. 

Breast reconstruction surgery can be more complex than traditional breast augmentation. This is because reconstruction may involve the use of tissue expanders before implant placement, or using the patient's own tissue instead of an implant. Breast reconstruction is often performed in stages, and insurance may cover at least part of the cost since it typically addresses a medical condition. 

Factors that shape your decision 

For most patients, the choice between breast augmentation and reconstruction is determined by their medical history and personal goals. Patients from Pittsburgh and beyond travel to our DuBois, PA office for both procedures. During your consultation, Dr. LaBrasca will consider the following factors:  

• Why you're seeking treatment: Our team may recommend breast augmentation for elective enhancement, like correcting a flat chest or improving breast symmetry. Those who are rebuilding after mastectomy or trauma could benefit from breast reconstruction. 
• Your current breast tissue: Breast reconstruction often requires managing scar tissue, the effects of radiation treatment, or missing tissue. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, simply focuses on breast enhancement. 
• Your treatment timeline: Breast reconstruction may be staged over several procedures, while breast augmentation is performed in a single surgery. 
• Insurance coverage: Breast reconstruction is often covered, at least in part, by insurance as a medical necessity. If you are choosing breast implant surgery for cosmetic purposes, insurance may not cover the process. 

Move forward with greater confidence 

Whether you're correcting a flat chest through breast augmentation or rebuilding after a mastectomy with breast reconstruction, Dr. Algie LaBrasca at LaBrasca Plastic Surgery can guide you through the process. Call today to schedule a consultation in DuBois, PA, convenient for patients throughout the Pittsburgh area, and start planning your next step.