Many people know about breast implants and how they are used to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts. Yet there is another surgery that is performed on women who have breasts that are disproportionately large. This is known as breast reduction surgery, and it’s a very useful means of improving overall body contour and even preventing certain medical problems that can result from having breasts that are too big.
When you meet with a plastic surgeon, you’ll be able to go over breast reduction surgery in much greater detail. We’d now like to consider some of the basics regarding breast reduction and then consider issues related to medical insurance coverage and the procedure.
Health Issues Related to Very Large Breasts
When a woman has breasts that are too large, the excess weight of the breasts can actually cause pain in the lower back. Since so much of the body’s weight is supported by the lower back, excessively large breasts can place a gradual strain on that part of the body. It’s also common for women to experience neck and shoulder pain if they have disproportionately large breasts, which can be caused by the excess weight in the chest or the straps of the bra.
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery involves carefully placed incisions on or around the breasts that allow surgeons to remove excess skin and breast tissue. This reduces the size of the breasts, improves the overall shape of the breasts, and allows a patient to have more proportionate curves.
Is breast reduction surgery covered by medical insurance?
Yes. In a number of instances, breast reduction surgery is covered by medical insurance, though there are very specific stipulations that patients must meet, and these can vary from provider to provider.
In general, what conditions must be met?
In order to qualify for insurance coverage, patients often need to have a certain amount of breast tissue removed, with actual recommendations in writing from a general practitioner and a plastic surgeon regarding the breast reduction surgery.
We recommend checking carefully with your provider about these conditions and then doing your best to fulfill all of them to the letter. Ask questions if any stipulations are unclear, and be sure to keep all documentation that may be necessary. By being diligent and organized, you can avoid denial of coverage for breast reduction surgery.
How Our Plastic Surgery Team Can Help with This Process
While we are not your insurance provider, we will be more than happy to help answer your questions about the process in any way we can. We will work closely with you during the entire consultation process to make sure that you have all of the documentation required from us to successfully receive insurance coverage. Ultimately, we will do our best to help you avoid any potential obstacles to getting a breast reduction performed.
Learn More About Breast Enhancement Surgery
If you would like more information about breast reduction surgery and how it can be of benefit to you, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center serving Minneapolis today. Our entire team will help you achieve your aesthetic goals and also help ensure that the whole process flows as smoothly as possible.
