Form or Function: Finding the Right Breast Surgery for You

Patients interested in breast surgery but not sure what they need can read more on the different types of breast procedures offered by Dr. Landford.

Finding the Right Breast Surgery for You

When it comes to breast surgery, there is no universal approach because no two women are exactly alike. For some, the goal is to enhance confidence through subtle or dramatic changes in appearance. For others, it’s about physical relief, restoration after illness or injury, or reclaiming a sense of self following a major life event. Every surgical journey is deeply personal and entirely valid, whether driven by aesthetics, medical necessity, or both. Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wilmina Landford takes a personalized, patient-centered approach to every procedure. She is dedicated to delivering results that honor both form and function, thoughtfully aligned with each individual’s needs. If you’re considering breast surgery and unsure which procedure aligns with your goals, this guide will help you explore your options, clarify your priorities, and feel more confident in your decision-making process.

Form vs. Function: Understanding What Matters Most

Breast surgery is often labeled as either “cosmetic” or “reconstructive,” but many procedures fall somewhere in between. Some patients are looking to restore volume or lift after pregnancy or aging, while others seek relief from chronic discomfort or undergo reconstruction following trauma or medical treatment.

  • Form refers to procedures that focus on enhancing appearance, such as increasing volume, reshaping contours, or achieving greater symmetry.
  • Function focuses on relieving physical discomfort, restoring tissue, or supporting medical recovery after mastectomy or injury.

Understanding the why behind your interest in surgery is just as important as selecting the right procedure.

woman in a bra partially covered by a curtain

Types of Breast Surgery and Who They’re Best Suited For

Breast Augmentation

 Breast augmentation is a well-known procedure that enhances breast size, shape, and symmetry through implants or fat transfer. It’s often chosen to restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or to achieve proportions that align more closely with a patient’s body image.

Ideal for: Individuals seeking fuller, rounder breasts with either a natural or more dramatic enhancement.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift addresses sagging by reshaping and elevating the breast, without necessarily increasing its size. It’s a popular choice for those who have experienced changes due to aging, gravity, or breastfeeding. For added volume, it can be combined with augmentation.

Ideal for: Patients experiencing a loss of breast position or firmness who want a lifted, more youthful contour.

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction offers both functional relief and aesthetic refinement. For those with disproportionately large breasts, reduction surgery can alleviate physical symptoms such as back, shoulder, or neck pain while improving balance and proportion.

Ideal for: Individuals seeking relief from discomfort due to breast size and looking for a lighter, more manageable silhouette.

Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction is a deeply meaningful procedure for patients recovering from a mastectomy or traumatic injury. Whether performed using implants, autologous tissue (the patient’s own), or a hybrid approach, the goal is to restore not just the breast, but also confidence and emotional well-being.

Ideal for: Patients who have undergone mastectomy, injury, or tissue loss and wish to restore breast shape and symmetry.

Revision Breast Surgery

Revision surgery corrects or improves upon previous breast procedures. It may involve replacing implants, adjusting symmetry, correcting complications, or updating results that no longer align with the patient’s goals or body.

Ideal for: Patients who have had prior breast surgeries and are seeking adjustments, enhancements, or corrections.

How to Choose the Right Breast Surgery

The best outcomes begin with open communication. During your consultation, Dr. Landford takes the time to understand not just what you’d like to change, but why. She’ll discuss the most appropriate techniques, answer your questions in detail, and help you determine the path that aligns with your aesthetic, functional, and emotional goals.

Your treatment plan will consider:

  • Your overall health and medical history
  • Your existing breast anatomy and skin elasticity
  • Whether you’ve had previous breast procedures
  • Your recovery preferences and timeline
  • Your vision for the final result

Surgical planning is always a collaborative process, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the entire process.

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Final Thoughts

Breast surgery is more than a cosmetic procedure—it’s an opportunity to feel more aligned with your body, more confident in your skin, and more at ease in your daily life.

If you are seeking subtle refinement, medical support, or transformative change, Dr. Landford offers a compassionate, results-driven approach designed to help you look and feel your best.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Wilmina Landford

Dr. Wilmina Landford serves patients throughout Washington, D.C., and Maryland, offering expert care in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Her goal is to guide you toward a confident, informed decision—one that prioritizes your well-being, goals, and individuality. If you’re ready to explore your options, visit our contact page or call our office to schedule your private consultation today.

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