Breast lift and lift augmentation surgery have a high level of patient satisfaction that rivals breast augmentation and reduction, U.S. researchers said.

"Many studies have shown breast augmentation and reduction are highly gratifying procedures for women, but until now we've had limited information on patient satisfaction for breast lift or combination lift augmentation," study author Dr. Eric Swanson said in a statement. "This data fills in the gap."

In this study, 325 patients were interviewed about their breast procedures, with a response rate of 81 percent. Ninety-nine percent said they would have their procedure again and 91 percent of patients reported improved self-esteem.

Overall, patient satisfaction was 96 percent. Swanson said the high patient satisfaction rates for breast lifts and reductions in the study applied only to the vertical technique which was used on all patients.

Patients reported using prescription analgesics an average of 5.4 days, resumed driving in 5.8 days, returned to work in 7.5 days, and felt "back to normal" in 27.8 days. Pain rating was moderate overall, 5.4 out of 10, higher for breast augmentation at 5.9 and lower for breast reduction at 3.3.

The study is scheduled to be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference, Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, in Chicago.