Perhaps no other form of elective cosmetic surgery is more life-changing than a breast reduction procedure. A woman with massive breasts struggles with the extra bulk, which is extremely uncomfortable and awkward and curtails physical activity. Additionally, because of the substantial extra mass, detection of breast cancer is compromised and the skin tissue under the breast area can be incessantly lacerated and infected by rubbing, irritation, and perspiration. With the development of successful reduction mammoplasty procedures, there is no reason for any woman to struggle with this kind of physical distortion.
Unlike most other types of cosmetic surgery, breast reduction is normally classified as a reconstructive procedure rather than a cosmetic one because oversized breasts greatly interfere with normal daily activity and physical activity, not to mention related health issues such as infection and problems with breast cancer screening. Depending on your insurance company’s policy regarding breast reduction, the entire procedure may be paid for in full by your health insurance provider. Generally, the determination is made according to how much tissue (by weight) is removed. A certain minimum gram weight must be met to prove to the insurance company that the procedure is corrective and not just aesthetic. However, regardless of the insurance company’s position, there is an important aesthetic component to the operation because the plastic surgeon can improve the shape of the breasts and the nipple area, and enhance a woman’s physical profile.
Breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue and skin, repositioning the nipple and areola, and reshaping the remaining breast tissue. Some of the risks are fairly serious, including noticeable scarring, loss of sensation, and the inability to breastfeed, along with other surgery-related complications. But for women with heavy, pendulous breasts, a breast reduction can be a godsend. (Sources: Aesthetic Surgery Journal, March-April 2008, pages 171-179.)