Abstract
Background
Reduction mammoplasty is a common procedure associated with a very high patient satisfaction rate. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms related to macromastia, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, bra strap grooving, paresthesia, and rashes. Despite the manifold benefits of reduction mammaplasty, some insurance companies require minimum resection weights of at least 500-grams per breast in order to distinguish between a reconstructive and aesthetic procedure.
Objective
The aim of this study is to assess the origins of the 500-gram rule used in reduction mammaplasty.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted for studies published through July 2020 with multiple search terms related to resection weight criteria for breast reduction. Data on criteria, outcomes, and patient satisfaction were collected.
Results
A total of 14 articles were selected from the 27 articles that were identified. 500-gram rule appears to be arbitrary. It appears that it is not based on any available hard evidence. However, numerous studies show that patients who have less than 500-grams of tissue removed from each breast still experience significant symptomatic relief from reduction mammaplasty with a marked improvement in quality of life.
Conclusion
The 500-gram rule should be re-evaluated as criterion for pre-authorization reduction mammaplasty for insurance companies. It may influence surgeons to choose between form and function. Many additional patients might then benefit from this procedure with significant benefits.