Reduction Mammoplasty Explained: The Medical Term for Breast Reduction

Hello! I am Dr. Tina Jenq, and I lead the team here at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic (OCRC). Often, I meet patients who feel curious about how to find relief from the heavy weight of large breasts.

When you start researching this journey, you might see the words “reduction mammoplasty.” This sounds very formal, but it is simply the medical term for a breast reduction. Understanding this term helps you navigate your medical records and insurance forms with confidence.

What Does “Reduction Mammoplasty” Mean?

Doctors use specific terms based on ancient languages to be very precise. We can break this name down into two parts:

• Mammo: This comes from the Latin word mamma, which means breast.
• Plasty: This comes from the Greek word plastos, which means to change the form of a part of the body.

When we put them together, we are literally talking about changing the form of the breast by reducing its size and shape. We do this to decrease the symptoms that come with having large breasts.

Why Do Insurance Companies Use This Term?

You might notice that your insurance provider uses “reduction mammoplasty” on every document. They use this clinical name to distinguish it from cosmetic procedures. Because large breasts can cause physical health problems, insurance companies often view this surgery as a medical necessity rather than just a cosmetic choice.

Recognizing the Symptoms: Why Patients Seek Help

At OCRC, we focus on how you feel as much as how you look. Many of my patients describe daily challenges that make life difficult. This surgery improves your quality of life by addressing:

• Physical Pain: Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the extra weight.
• Skin Issues: Persistent rashes or irritation under the breast fold.
• Activity Limits: Difficulty with jumping, leaning forward, or even finding a comfortable position for sleeping.

Navigating Insurance and the Schnur Scale

Our clinic performs this surgery under both insurance and self-pay options. If you choose to use insurance, our surgery coordinator assists you by communicating directly with your insurance company to get authorization.

Insurance companies often use a tool called the Schnur Scale to decide if they will cover the procedure. This scale calculates the minimum amount of tissue that must be removed based on your body size. You can use a Schnur Scale Calculator to get an idea of how much weight might need to be removed for coverage.

Helpful Information for Your Authorization

To help us get your surgery approved, it is useful to show that you have tried other ways to manage the pain. Please let us know if you have used:

• Oral medications for pain or inflammation.
• Acupuncture treatments.
• Chiropractor visits.
• Physical therapy.

Self-Pay Options and Costs

If you do not have insurance or do not meet their specific requirements, we offer self-pay options. While every patient is unique, a typical estimate for the self-pay cost for a breast reduction is generally around $12,000. This estimate includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and the facility fee. During your consultation, we provide a personalized quote just for you.

Your Journey at OCRC

At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, we believe in safety and personalized care. As a board-certified surgeon with over 15 years of experience, I ensure that most procedures are completed as same-day surgeries. In addition, we focus on improved patient comfort with Dr. Jenq’s drainless surgery technique.  Our team is ready to help you heal with confidence.

If you are ready to learn more about the Breast Reduction process or have questions about your specific needs, please reach out to us. We are here to help you every step of the way [3].

Ready for relief?
Call us at 503-400-6622 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jenq today.