Breast reduction surgery is performed on women who suffer from the pain and discomfort of large breasts. The surgery is also done to correct breasts that are visually unequal. Bilateral reduction involves both breasts, while unilateral reductions, just one. Surgical techniques for reduction have improved with technology.
Techniques
Individual factors help surgeons to determine appropriate reduction techniques. The incisions design depends upon the size and shape of your breasts. Surgeons will predetermine how many incisions are required based on the size of reduction. The most common technique involves making three incisions. One incision follows the breast crease, another runs vertically from areola (nipple area) to crease under breast; finally an incision is made around the areola. This method allows the surgeon to remove excess breast tissue, while leaving the areola in place to preserve sensation. For women with very large breasts, surgeons may need to remove the nipple and areola during the procedure. Once tissue has been removed and breasts reshaped, they are placed higher and then reattached.
Insurance coverage
Insurance providers stipulate that the procedure must be medically necessary to receive coverage. Your insurance company may ask for consent to predetermined size of reduction before the procedure is performed. This may be a stipulation of the insurance company for payment of services. If you choose to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons and pay out of pocket, procedures currently cost from $5000 to $10,000.
Risks
As with all surgical procedures there are risks when undergoing a breast reduction. These include harmful reaction to anesthesia, bleeding and infection. There could also be loss of blood supply to nipple area, leading to removal.
Tags: insurance company, large breasts, nipple area, size reduction