09.20.07
Health Benefits to Breast Reductions Seek Insurance Reimbursement
Most insurance companies would argue that breast augmentation surgery, including breast reduction is considered purely cosmetic and serves no health benefit to the woman getting the breast reduction. However according to a study done by plastic surgeon Dr. Nolan S. Karp of NYU Medical Center, out of the 59 patients in the study, all of them agreed to a dramatic increase in their quality of life.
Three months and then one year after their surgery, the women were asked about changes in pain and quality of life. They were asked to rate their pain from a score of 1 to 5 (5 being highest).
Scores fell dramatically after the reduction mammoplasties — in categories including lower-back pain, neck pain, headache and bra-strap “grooving.”
“Women were also greatly relieved that they were more able to engage in healthful activities such as running or playing sports — demonstrating that breast reduction surgeries have even wider health implications,” Dr. Spector says.
Women who have had breast reduction surgeries can attest to the idea that their procedure has indeed brought them many enhancements in life. Would you agree that pain relief and new opportunities to stay fit are a viable reason to be reimbursed through breast reduction surgery? What do you think?