Posted on March 28, 2012
This is a continuation of a blog about my recent March 2012 Journal for an article they had on “Additional Benefits of Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature.”
EFFECT ON WEIGHT AND EATING BEHAVIORS:
- “The Obesity Myth.” There has been a thought by insurance companies to deny heavy women coverage because of their weight. One study found an improvement in health related quality of life regardless of BMI. **Note there is an increased incidence of complications with high BMI patients, though this study states most of these complications “are minor and do not affect the overall aesthetic outcome.”
- Improvement in Exercise Practices. Studies have found a significant increase in exercise time after surgery. It is also a good motivator for women to try to lose surgery, even before the surgery occurs. “Weight loss and reduction mammaplasty are clearly linked in a positive feedback type mechanism.”
- Improvement of Eating Disorders. It cites large breasts are “implicated” as a factor contributing to eating disorders. Why? Women may overeat to camoflauge their large breasts or may undereat to try to decrease breast size. One study described breast reduction as “effective therapy” for some young women with bulimia.
PSYCHOLOGIC IMPROVEMENTS:
- Improvement of Anxiety and Depression. “1/3 of women presenting with large breasts have clinical evidence of anxiety or depression.” Increase breast mass has specifically been linked to development of depression. Surgery helps. Why? They think the patients have a better body image after surgery. They think this improvement is is longstanding.
- Improvement in Self Esteem.
- Improvement in Quality of Life. “Reduction mammaplasty improves women’s quality of life substantially.” They cite evaluations showing statistically significant improvements starting at 1 month out. They also state the positive effect of a breast reduction is seen in their perception of their femininity, wholeness, ease of making social contacts, and being less bothered in social and intimate situations.
- Improvement in Psychosexual Function. Women are more comfortable and confident. **Note: breast reductions can affect nipple sensation. There is an association bewteen diminished nipple sensation and sexual satisfaction after breast reduction.
AESTHETICS:
- A study looked at aesthetic satisfaction with separate body parts- not just the breast. After breast reduction they found satisfaction went up for all body parts, not just the breasts.
- They found better satisfaction with “body harmony, breast shape, symmetry, and nipple areola complex.
So. Conclusions?
Breast reductions are good to help with neck and back pain, exercise, eating, and psyche. This was a comprehensive review and brought to light lesser known studies like the change in lung function. Though this likely does not make our job of trying to get insurance coverage easier- when it comes to that, I am on your side- but most insurance companies have strict guidelines. See my blog.
I am a fan of breast reductions.