Pain Relief from Breast Reduction Can Include Insurance Coverage

Unlike lifting and volume increasing procedures, breast reduction surgery generally is not looked upon as a cosmetic procedure. Dr. Otto Placik, a Chicago based plastic surgeon, points to the fact that excessively large breasts cause physical pain on top of emotional distress. Back and neck pain are common, as are soreness where bra straps cut into the shoulders and irritation of the skin under the breasts themselves.

The procedure "reduces the size and reshapes the contour of large breasts by removing excess breast skin and breast tissue [and] may also include reducing the size of...and repositioning the nipple and areola." Because breast reduction surgery offers relief to women suffering pain and even disability resulting from their overly large breasts, it is often covered by their insurance. Dr. Placik recommends checking your policy and discussing it with your insurance carrier before surgery.