The best candidates for laser bra breast surgery are well-adjusted women whose sagging breasts cause health and medical problems, interfere with routine activities, disrupt sleep, or suffer related self-consciousness. The procedure may work well for candidates who are concerned about nipple sensitivity and breast feeding after surgery. Patients with certain medical problems may be excluded from this treatment: for example, older patients with a heart condition on many medications would significantly increase the risk of complications.



A small percentage of plastic surgeons today have experience with the laser bra breast procedure. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced, qualified laser bra breast surgeon to make a final decision about whether the procedure is right for you.

Choosing a Surgeon

It's important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery with extensive experience in all of the breast-related procedures. Using a board-certified plastic surgeon does not always guarantee the best results; however, board certification does require specific and rigorous surgical education and training.

The type of certification is also important. There are more than 150 self-designated boards, but only a handful that are designated by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The doctor should also be certified to use the laser. This includes training by laser specialists and a diploma awarded after successful completion of hands-on laser courses.

* Review the doctor's credentials, education, training, type of certification held: both board certification and certification specifically for use of the laser.

* Ask the number of times that the treatment has been performed in the practice.

* Ask the doctor if he or she has privileges to use a laser at a hospital. In order to obtain such privileges, the doctor would be required to go through a skill-level peer review process.

* View before-and-after photos of patients with similar conditions who received laser bra breast surgery and alternative surgical options.

* Inquire about the method of the procedure, type of anesthesia, and possible complications from surgery.

* Ask for a list of pre-op and post-op instructions.

The Laser Bra Procedure

The location of the procedure is typically a hospital or outpatient surgery center. Time in surgery is up to two hours. The procedure is most often performed under general anesthesia, while you are asleep, and patients typically return home within two hours after the procedure.

During the procedure, the approach to incisions is made in the same manner as traditional breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation for women. The excess breast tissue is removed in a breast reduction and the breast is lifted. For a breast augmentation patient, the surgeon inserts implants through the incision (the same as in traditional breast augmentation). The doctor then applies the laser to the outer most tissue layer, which creates an internal bra so that more firmness is achieved to support the remaining inner tissue or implant.

The laser bra breast procedure differs from traditional cosmetic breast surgeries in a number of ways. For example, in the case of a laser bra breast reduction, the nipple is not affected in surgery -- a benefit for patients concerned about nipple sensitivity and breast feeding.

After Laser Bra Surgery: What to Expect

Recovery from this procedure is typically five to seven days. You can resume normal activities within three weeks. The doctor will supply a complete list of instructions that must be followed to reduce the risk of complication. You may be fitted with a medical garment to wear at all times, other than bathing (sponge bath), until your doctor determines it is no longer needed.

If the procedure requires the insertion of drains, they will need to be emptied as instructed by the doctor. Dressings will also need to be changed regularly. Minimal pain, swelling, and bruising can occur, but they can be managed with medications and proper care. Restrictions include no exercise and no lifting of ten pounds or more. The most common but infrequent complications include infection, bleeding, and excessive scarring.

Laser Bra Breast Surgery Cost

Laser bra breast surgery costs comprise three fees: local or general anesthesia fees, facility fees, and surgeon's fees. Since the person performing the surgery will not know what is required until the consultation, quoting a cost estimate here would not be meaningful. Also, because this procedure is relatively new, there are no established norms for estimating cost. You can, however, get an idea of surgeon costs in general from our table of average surgeon fees. Once you and your plastic surgeon have discussed your condition, goals, and options, your surgeon will provide an estimate.

If the cost of laser bra breast surgery is difficult for you, ask the facility about payment plans and medical finance options. Most medical practices provide consumer-friendly payment plans that allow you to make monthly payments over an extended time period. Medical finance companies may offer flexible finance options as well. Finally, your insurance carrier may cover all or a portion of the procedure costs. Your doctor can help you with insurance coverage.