Uncovering the Facts: Unveiling Breast Reconstruction Statistics in the U.S.

Introduction

At the New York Liposuction Center, we believe in providing our patients with the best possible care and information. We understand that making decisions about your body can be difficult, and we want to make sure you have all the facts. That’s why we’re writing this blog post: to provide an in-depth look at breast reconstruction statistics in the U.S.

Breast reconstruction is a major decision for women who have had a mastectomy or other breast surgery, and it’s important to understand all of the options available. In this post, we will discuss types of breast reconstruction, age range of women who have had reconstruction surgery, number of women who have had reconstruction surgery in the U.S., cost associated with breast reconstruction surgery, insurance coverage for breast reconstruction surgery, availability of reconstructive options for different body types and sizes, benefits of breast reconstruction surgery, and risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive information about breast reconstruction so that you can make an informed decision about your own situation. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons—led by Dr. Arnold Breitbart—is here to help you every step of the way. Read on to learn more about breast reconstruction statistics in the U.S., and contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation at either our Manhasset or Park Avenue locations.

Breast Reconstruction Statistics

breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the shape of a woman’s breast after a mastectomy or partial mastectomy. It can help restore her body image and self-confidence. There are several different types of breast reconstruction surgeries, and the cost and insurance coverage vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Here, we will discuss some key statistics related to breast reconstruction in the United States.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

There are two main types of breast reconstruction: implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction. Implant-based reconstruction uses an artificial implant filled with saline or silicone gel to create a new breast mound. Autologous tissue reconstruction uses tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or back, to create a new breast mound. Both techniques may be used alone or in combination with each other to achieve the desired result.

Age Range of Women Who Have Had Reconstruction Surgery

According to a study published in JAMA Surgery, the median age for women who underwent breast reconstruction was 53 years old in 2018, compared to 52 years old in 2008. The study also found that women aged 65 and older were more likely to have had a mastectomy than those aged 45–64 years old (9.6% vs 6%). This suggests that more women are choosing to have breast reconstruction surgery as they get older.

Number of Women Who Have Had Reconstruction Surgery in the U.S.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates that over 100,000 women underwent some form of reconstructive surgery after mastectomy in 2019 alone, making it one of the most commonly performed reconstructive surgeries in the United States today. This number has been steadily increasing over time as more women become aware of their options for restoring their figure after mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Fortunately for many patients seeking reconstructive surgery following mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures, insurance coverage is available for both implant-based and autologous tissue reconstructions through most major insurance providers in the United States under the Women’s Health & Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). However, out-of-pocket expenses may still be incurred even if insurance covers part or all of the procedure due to deductibles and co-pays required by some providers.

Availability of Reconstructive Options for Different Body Types and Sizes

In addition to implant-based and autologous tissue reconstructions being available for different body types and sizes, there are also other options available for those who wish to improve their appearance after mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures without undergoing surgery such as fat grafting/transferring techniques or nipple tattooing procedures which can help restore natural looking results without having to undergo any invasive surgeries or treatments. These non-invasive options are becoming increasingly popular among patients who wish to avoid undergoing additional surgeries but still want to improve their appearance following their initial procedure(s).

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that helps restore body image and self-confidence. Different types and cost vary, with increasing number of women choosing to have it as they age. Insurance coverage is available for some reconstructive surgeries. Non-invasive options are also available.

Benefits and Risks

Breast reconstruction surgery can be a life-changing experience for women, providing them with a sense of confidence and self-esteem that many have not felt since their diagnosis. However, it is important to understand the benefits and risks associated with such a procedure before making the decision to undergo the surgery.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The primary benefit of breast reconstruction surgery is the ability to restore the body’s natural shape after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. This can provide a much-needed boost in self-confidence and self-image for women who have undergone these procedures. Additionally, it can help to reduce anxiety and depression related to body image issues that may arise following breast cancer treatment.

In addition to restoring the body’s shape, breast reconstruction can also improve physical comfort. Women who have undergone mastectomies often experience tightness in their chest area due to scar tissue from the surgery. Breast reconstruction can help alleviate this discomfort by replacing lost tissue with new implants or flaps of skin from other parts of the body.

Finally, breast reconstruction can provide aesthetic benefits as well. Implants or flaps of skin used during breast reconstruction can be customized to match the size, shape, and color of the patient’s natural breasts, allowing them to feel more comfortable in their own skin. Additionally, reconstructive nipples and areolas can be added if desired, further enhancing the appearance of the reconstructed breasts.

Risks Associated with Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Although breast reconstruction offers many benefits, there are also risks associated with this type of procedure. These risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, implant rupture or displacement, asymmetry between breasts (if both sides are being reconstructed), and death (in rare cases). In addition, some patients may experience changes in sensation in their reconstructed breasts or surrounding areas due to nerve damage caused by the surgery or radiation therapy used during treatment for breast cancer.

It is important for women considering breast reconstruction surgery to discuss potential risks with their doctor prior to undergoing any type of procedure. Additionally, patients should be aware that some insurance companies may not cover all costs associated with this type of procedure and should factor this into their decision-making process when considering whether or not they wish to pursue breast reconstruction surgery.

In conclusion, while there are risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery, it is generally considered safe and effective for those wishing to restore their bodies after mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures due to breast cancer treatments. The benefits provided by such a procedure often outweigh these risks for many women; however, it is important for each individual patient to weigh these factors carefully before making any decisions about pursuing reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion

At New York Liposuction Center, we understand the importance of understanding breast reconstruction statistics. Breast reconstruction is a major step for many women who have undergone mastectomies and is an important decision to make. It is essential to be aware of the types of reconstructive options available, the age range of women who have had the surgery, the number of women who have had it in the U.S., the cost associated with it, insurance coverage for it, and availability of reconstructive options for different body types and sizes.

Summary of Key Points

In this blog post, we discussed:

• Types of breast reconstruction
• Age range of women who have had reconstruction surgery
• Number of women who have had reconstruction surgery in the U.S.
• Cost associated with breast reconstruction surgery
• Insurance coverage for breast reconstruction surgery
• Availability of reconstructive options for different body types and sizes
• Benefits of breast reconstruction surgery
• Risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery

Final Thoughts on Importance

At New York Liposuction Center, we strongly believe that all women considering breast reconstruction should do their research and consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Arnold Breitbart to discuss their individual goals and expectations. We strive to provide our patients with safe and effective treatments tailored to their individual needs. We are committed to providing our patients with the best care possible while ensuring they are fully informed about all aspects of their treatment plan before making any decisions.