Many Women with extremely large breasts feel burdened by the extra weight. On top of aesthetic concerns, such women often experience physical discomfort and large breasts can cause posture problems, skin rashes and upper body pain and limit the ability to participate comfortably in physical activities.
A combination of the above factors is usually what motivates women to consider breast reduction surgery. If this procedure is on your mind, then you are probably curious about whether your insurance provider may cover it or not. This may be confusing and heart breaking for patients as breast reduction surgery is considered elective.
Yes, health insurance does sometimes cover breast reduction surgery. However some criteria must be met in order to qualify. The benchmark differs from one health insurance company to another. To receive cover for this procedure, it must be deemed medically necessary. Breast reduction surgery conducted purely for cosmetic reasons is not covered by medical health insurance.
In most cases it is a condition that you must have undergone treatment from six to twelve months from various medical professionals who must confirm beyond reasonable doubt that this is the last resort. These medical professionals may include; physical therapist. primary care doctor, chiropractor (misalignment of joints), orthopedist, dermatologist, Pulmonologist (lungs), Rheumatologist (musculoskeletal).
Symptoms & problems related to large breasts
Below are the symptoms which qualify a patient to undergo this type of medical Procedure;
- Chronic shoulder, neck and back pains
- Rashes, dermatitis underneath your breasts
- Activity restrictions
- Nerve pains
- Poor posture
- Embarrassment and low esteem
- Breathing problems
- Skeletal deformities
- Abscesses and infections
- Loss of feelings in your nipples
- Fatigue and headaches
- Sweat glands obstructions
- Hand pain and numbness
- Breast pain during exercises
- Ridges and grooves on your shoulders from the pull of your bra straps
- Underlying medical conditions such as arthritis
Your doctor will need to provide all the necessary information to support your claim to your health insurance company. Medical health insurance is available in various limits which suits each and every policyholder depending on the amount (fund) taken. The specific treatments and procedures covered by these policies differ between policy limits. To find out whether cover is possible for the cost of the procedure and the level of cover available, you must check the specific policy terms and conditions or contact your health insurer for more information. Generally the insurance will cover some or all the hospital bills depending on the level of coverage by your policy.
Once you have confirmed that your policy covers this procedure you have to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to find out if you qualify. This must be an in person appointment so that your condition can be properly assessed and documented.
This is an outpatient procedure that may be done for both women and even men who are affected by Gynecomastia -sometimes referred as men boobs.
Advantages of breast reduction surgery
Below are some of the benefits of breast reduction surgery
- You can participate in sporting activities freely
- You are relieved of pains
- You will have better sleep
- The rashes underneath your boobs clear up
- Improved self esteem
- Breast lift at the same time
- Proportionate breast size
Disadvantages of breast reduction surgery
However you may experience some difficulties after the procedure. Some of which are as hereunder;
- Overall weakness and fatigue
- Chest soreness or tenderness
- Scary scarring
- Breast tissue or nipple asymmetry
- Loss of nipple sensational
- Difficulty with breast feeding or chest feeding
- Delayed wound healing
- Haematoma (blood clot)
- Fat or nipple necrosis(death of nipples)
- In rare cases may result to deaths
However, this procedure is not recommended for those who;
- Smoke
- Are morbidly obese
- Have heart problems or diabetes
- Are concerned about scarring
Methods of breast reduction procedures
These Procedures can be done through different methods e.g.
- Vertical (lollipop) reduction-( This method involves one incision made vertically from the bottom of your areola, or the circle of darker skin surrounding your nipple, to the bottom of your breast folds, as well as another circumferential incision around the border of your areola. This method is best suited for moderate breast size reduction and if you also have noticeable sagging
- Inverted-T (anchor) reduction-(with this method, a surgeon uses the same incisions as a lollipop reduction, with an additional incision made along the bottom crease of your breasts. This type of surgery is best for more significant size reductions, as well as if you have more noticeable breast sagging and asymmetry.
- Liposuction-If you want a slight breast reduction only, a surgeon may recommend liposuction. This is less Invasive procedure that involves removing a small amount of fat. But this method is not recommended if you have large amount of fatty tissues, sagging, or asymmetry.
- Another potential option is a combined breast lifts and augmentation. Most often used for aesthetic purposes, this procedure involves a traditional breast reduction along with implants to achieve the desired shape and lower the risk of sagging.
Conclusion
- Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissues and skin to achieve a breast size which is proportional to your body.
- This operation may be covered by health insurance if it is performed to relieve medical symptoms
- The results of this procedure should be permanent.However, over time, your breasts can change due to ageing, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.
Finally talk with your medical practitioner about the risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery and what results you can expect.