Macromastia, characterized by excessively large breasts, can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. While reduction mammaplasty offers a surgical solution, insurance companies often categorize it as cosmetic, hindering coverage. However, a recent study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal by Jabbari et al. presents compelling arguments for surgeons to consider when advocating for their patients.
The study examined a national cohort of patients diagnosed with macromastia, comparing those who underwent reduction mammaplasty with those who did not. The findings revealed that while short-term opioid use might be slightly higher in the surgery group, outpatient care costs were significantly lower for patients who received reduction mammaplasty. At four and five years postoperatively, the study found patients who did not undergo surgery had outpatient care costs $240.68 and $349.90 higher than those who did. This suggests that the initial surgery may offset the need for future treatments associated with the physical burdens of macromastia.
Furthermore, the study highlights a potential benefit for public health. The researchers observed that patients who opted against surgery continued to exhibit higher opioid consumption levels for up to three years after diagnosis. This aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for curbing opioid misuse.
Key Takeaway: Reduction mammaplasty offers a potential double benefit for macromastia patients. It can not only improve their quality of life but also lead to long-term cost savings for the healthcare system by reducing reliance on outpatient care and potentially curbing unnecessary opioid use. By presenting this data to insurance companies, aesthetic surgeons can strengthen their arguments for coverage and ensure better access to this life-altering procedure for their patients.
SOURCE: Aesthetic Surgery Journal