PLASTIC SURGERY

Q: Is breast reduction surgery covered by insurance? A: Very often, women who naturally have overly-large breasts suffer from a myriad of symptoms that allow breast reduction surgery to be covered by insurance. This surgery, medically known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body. It is generally considered a reconstructive procedure and may be performed to relieve medical symptoms, such as back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, and severe rashes under the breast. Other common practical complaints are limited clothing choices, bras that don’t fit, difficulty with exercise, and weight gain. Most or all of these problems are alleviated almost immediately. Patients often tell me, despite tolerable surgical discomfort, they immediately feel the “weight of the world off their back and shoulders!” One of the best upsides for women needing breast reduction greater than 1000 grams is that it reduces their breast cancer risk by 70%, according to a large Scandinavian study.

A breast reduction at any age is usually an outpatient procedure. After your procedure, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Some patients ask me if they should lose weight prior to the procedure, but they are usually thwarted in those efforts because of the above symptoms. Inevitably after the procedure, you will lose weight and feel great about your new look. You’ll move and feel better and more clothing choices will improve your whole outlook! Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery 9485 Mentor Ave #100 Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive solutions