Breast reduction surgery is a very commonly performed operation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that approximately 80,000 women underwent breast reduction procedures in 2009.
For many years it has been known that patients suffering from excessive breast size (Macromastia) may benefit from breast reduction surgery.
This surgical procedure helps to reduce the symptoms which includes chronic neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, and rashes from excessive sweating of the breasts.
A recent article published by Drs. Singh and Losken (Atlanta, GA) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (March 2012) also finds that patients undergoing this surgery report improvement with headaches, sleep related problems, breathing difficulties, as well as noting improved self-esteem and sexual functioning.
It seems that after breast reduction surgery, many patients have less problems with eating disorders and also appear to exercise more.
How to find out if your insurance covers this procedure
In some cases, health insurance plans may cover a breast reduction procedure. Criteria to obtain insurance coverage generally requires that a patient undergo at least a 2 cup size reduction, and have documentation of chronic symptoms of neck and back pain refractory to medical management for a minimum of 6 month’s duration.
Many times, a patient’s insurance may cover the cost of the entire procedure but you must do your research to find out.
Your insurance company may require letters from your doctor and possibly your primary care physician too. You may also be required to submit photographs for their review and they may want to know exactly how much tissue the provider is going to be removing before you receive an affirmative answer. This requirement varies from carrier to carrier. We can help with this paperwork and will discuss this at your private consultation with Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, LLC.
If you would like to find out more about breast reduction surgery, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
