Women with large breasts (macromastia) often suffer significant pain and discomfort from their large breasts. Dallas breast reduction is an effective treatment for symptoms related to large breasts. In addition to providing physical comfort, Dallas breast reduction can also improve the appearance of the breasts by performing a simultaneous breast lift.
Symptoms of macromastia often include severe neck, shoulder and upper back pain, painful grooves from their bra straps, and rashes, wounds and infections (intertrigo) within the folds of their breasts. Although Dallas breast reduction has been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms associated with large breasts and improve quality-of-life, the amount of tissue required for excision to provide medical benefit has yet to be demonstrated. It is not uncommon for me to believe that a Dallas breast reduction will help my patient, only to have the patient’s insurance company disagree.
Breast reduction surgery is considered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to be medically necessary when symptoms of back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, intertrigo, breast pain, and numbness of the extremities are documented and related to the patient’s large breasts. The recommendations of the ASPS are based on outcomes studies that essentially demonstrate no correlation between amount of breast tissue excised and relief of preoperative symptoms. Unfortunately, when symptoms are self-reported and subjective, it is difficult to determine medical necessity as, often, breast reduction is a cosmetic procedure. As a result insurance companies usually require extensive documentation of symptoms, as well clinical notes documenting failure of conservative treatment, including supportive bras, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, physical therapy and chiropractic treatments. In addition, most insurance companies have a minimum tissue excision requirement that must be met to demonstrate medical necessity for Dallas breast reduction surgery.
If you’d like to learn more about Dallas breast reduction surgery, contact Dr. Jejurikar’s office at 214-827-2814 or via the Web.