Plastic Surgery Articles

Breast Reductions Becoming Increasingly Popular

January 4, 2007 -

Breast reduction (mammoplasty) is becoming increasingly popular among women who suffer from health problems related to their large breasts, such as back and neck pain, inability to do serious exercise, and recurring heat rash and yeast infections under sagging breasts.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2005, there were 114,250 mammoplasties performed, which is a 35% increase from 2000.

Unlike breast augmentation, mammoplasty is not usually considered a cosmetic procedure. Because the size and shape of the breast is altered, it is considered a reconstructive procedure, and was actually the fifth most common one performed in 2005.

Why the surge in popularity?

Doctors attribute it to awareness. More people are aware of the possibility of having a breast reduction today than ever. Dr. Asher Carey thinks even more people would have the procedure if they knew about it.

“Until they have a friend or a family member who has it done, they don’t realize there is something that can help them,” said Carey, a surgeon who does mammoplasties on an outpatient basis. “Everybody thinks you can exercise and make your breasts smaller, but you can’t. Breast tissue doesn’t go away.”

The Cost

The increased knowledge of the cost of these procedures may also be partly responsible for the increase in the popularity of breast reductions. Though the procedure isn’t cheap (usually between $4,000 to $7,000) it is often covered by insurance policies.

All a potential patient must do is prove that the size of her (or his) breasts has a negative effect on her health. This is usually determined case-by-case, and requires written documentation from a plastic surgeon outlining the medical problems the large breasts are causing. Patients may also have to prove that they tried to correct the health issues with non-surgical methods without success first.

Considering a breast reduction?

If you are considering a breast reduction or augmentation, please contact us today for a free consultation with a seasoned, board-certified plastic surgeon near you who can answer your questions, and help you achieve your ideal shape.

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