Removing excess tissue from the breasts to reduce their size and weight, a breast reduction can be an elective cosmetic procedure, or a medically necessary surgery. In Australia, if plastic surgery is medically necessary, patients may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate.
Essentially, a breast reduction Medicare rebate may be possible if a breast reduction is undergone for medical reasons. Breast reduction surgery may be considered medically necessary if large or heavy breasts cause significant physical symptoms.
Chronic pain, mobility limitations, skin irritation or infections, posture concerns, and nerve compression are among the conditions that may warrant medical consideration for a breast reduction procedure.
Offering a variety of procedures, including breast reduction, Dr Justin Perron is a highly experienced and trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Brisbane.
To find out if you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, you’ll need to discuss your reasons for undergoing the procedure with Brisbane-based cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr Justin Perron. We recommend contacting our team to book your consultation.
What is a breast reduction?
A breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammaplasty, is performed to decrease the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. Decreasing breast size by removing excess tissue can also significantly reduce the weight of the breasts.
Typically, the procedure may be suitable for those who experience discomfort or pain due to the size or weight of their breasts. Significantly large breasts can cause concerns such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, and limitations in physical activities or general mobility.
Sometimes, the procedure can involve the repositioning of the nipples and areolae, to suit the new breast size and shape. Procedures will always be highly personalised, with steps that are tailored to every patient’s individual requirements.
When is a breast reduction medically necessary?
Breast reduction surgery may be deemed medically necessary in cases where candidates experience significant physical symptoms, that can be directly linked to the weight or size of the breasts.
Some of these physical symptoms that may warrant medical consideration for breast reduction include neck and back pain, physical limitations, skin irritation, skin infections, issues with posture, and sometimes nerve compression.
Chronic pain is a common concern that can be associated with large breasts, often manifesting as severe and persistent discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders, or chest due to the weight of the breast tissue. This pain can prompt the need for surgical intervention, if it interferes with the candidate’s daily life. Limitations in mobility can also occur from the size and weight of the breasts, which may cause difficulty in participating in daily physical activities or exercise.
Skin irritation and infections are often experienced by those with larger breasts, as the skin beneath the breasts can become prone to rashes, irritation, and infections, due to friction and moisture build-up. These conditions can cause discomfort and lead to further skin complications, if left untreated.
Poor posture or spinal curvature issues can also occur, as the weight of the breasts can pull the shoulders forward and may put strain on the spine. Posture concerns can lead to further complications if the cause of the poor posture (the weight of the breasts) is not addressed.
Nerve compression can be another possible complication of overly large breasts, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain due to pressure on nerves in the shoulders or chest. Addressing the size and weight of the breasts may relieve these symptoms.
During a consultation, you will need to discuss any symptoms you are experiencing, and how they may be interfering with the quality of your daily life. You will need to undergo a physical examination to assess if your breasts are the cause of these symptoms. If the issues you are experiencing can be linked to the size and weight of your breasts, a breast reduction may be considered medically necessary.
What can influence the costs of breast reduction?
The cost of a breast reduction procedure can vary from patient to patient, and will need to be discussed during a consultation.
The extent and complexity of the breast reduction surgery will essentially affect the costs of the procedure.
Factors such as the amount of breast tissue that will need to be removed, the need for nipple or areola repositioning, and any additional procedures, such as liposuction, can all affect the surgery’s final costs.
Other expenses that can contribute to the total cost of a breast reduction include hospital fees, anaesthesia fees, and surgeon’s fees. The costs of post-operative care should also be considered, including follow-up appointments, medications, and supportive garments (such as a compression garment).
You will have the chance to prepare for the costs of your surgery, and discuss costs in much further detail when you meet with Dr Perron. In the meantime, you are welcome to contact our team with any further questions you have about what may influence your procedure costs.
How do I apply for a breast reduction Medicare rebate?
Firstly, you will need to determine if your reason for undergoing the procedure will meet the requirements for a breast reduction Medicare rebate. Keep in mind that Medicare rebates will only cover a portion of the costs, and you will still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses.
During a consultation, your surgeon Dr Perron can assess your situation and determine if breast reduction surgery is medically necessary for you. He can discuss your symptoms and medical history, as well as perform a physical examination to determine if you meet the criteria for a Medicare rebate.
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you’ll typically need a referral from your general practitioner or another specialist. Your GP can provide this referral after discussing your condition and determining that a consultation with a plastic surgeon is appropriate.
Medicare rebates for breast reduction surgery are subject to specific criteria and guidelines. Not all cases will meet the criteria for a rebate, so you will need to discuss your individual circumstances and verify eligibility requirements with Medicare before proceeding with your surgery.
You can receive further, personalised advice based on your individual circumstances during your consultation.
How are breast reduction costs calculated?
During your consultation, you’ll need to discuss a variety of factors to determine the total costs involved in your breast reduction surgery.
Dr Perron will need to conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history, including any previous surgeries, medical conditions, or medications that may impact the procedure or recovery process.
He will then discuss your goals and expectations to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what the surgery can and cannot achieve. Factors such as the breast size you want to achieve, as well as the shape, will be considered to tailor the surgical plan to meet your specific aesthetic preferences.
A physical examination of the breasts will need to be performed to assess factors such as breast size, shape, skin elasticity, and nipple position. The evaluation will help to determine the extent of the surgery needed, which will influence the complexity of the procedure and the overall cost.
Your consultation will involve a detailed discussion of the surgical technique to be used, including incision patterns, tissue removal, nipple and areola repositioning (if necessary), and any additional procedures that may be needed, such as liposuction.
You will receive a detailed breakdown of your surgery’s costs, including surgeon’s fees, hospital or surgical facility fees, anaesthesia fees, post-operative care, and any other additional costs.
Essentially, the costs of a breast reduction can only be accurately calculated after a thorough consultation with your surgeon.
Discuss the costs of your breast reduction and your eligibility for a Medicare rebate with Dr Perron in Brisbane
Dr Justin Perron is an experienced Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, currently working at the Wesley Hospital, St Andrews War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital and the Spring Hill Specialist day Hospital. His private rooms are located at Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill.
With the skillset and experience to perform a wide variety of plastic and reconstructive procedures, Dr Perron can take a highly personalised approach, achieving breast reduction results that align with each patient’s unique features.
To book your consultation and discuss the possibility of applying for a breast reduction Medicare rebate, please contact our team!
