Women consider breast reduction surgery for a physical, cosmetic, and psychological reasons, but not everyone will be able to receive a Medicare rebate on their procedure.
We’ll discuss eligibility in greater detail in this blog, but firstly we’re going to explain what macromastia is.
What is Macromastia?
Macromastia is a condition where a person’s breasts are disproportionately large compared to other parts of their body.
This condition can reduce a person’s quality of life because it can lead to a range of physical and psychological issues, including:
- Shoulder Pain
- Neck Pain
- Lower back Pain
- Rashes underneath the breasts
- Size of the breasts makes it difficult to exercise
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit well, and
- Poor body image
Medicare Rebate Eligibility and Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)
Not everyone will be eligible for a Medicare rebate on a breast reduction surgery, but there are three Medicare item numbers associated with the procedure: 45523, 45520, 45522.
People who meet the conditions associated with these item numbers (as shown below) may qualify for a rebate on their operation. Eligible patients who have a high tier of private health cover for plastic surgery may also be entitled to a rebate on anaesthetic costs and their hospital fee.
Item 45523
Reduction mammaplasty (bilateral) with surgical repositioning of the nipple:
(a) for patients with macromastia and experiencing pain in the neck or shoulder region; and
(b) not with insertion of any prosthesis
Item 45520
Reduction mammaplasty (unilateral) with surgical repositioning of nipple, in the context of breast cancer or developmental abnormality of the breast
Item 45522
Reduction mammaplasty (unilateral) without surgical repositioning of the nipple:
(a) excluding the treatment of gynaecomastia; and
(b) not with insertion of any prosthesis
Are you a candidate for Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) in Brisbane?
If you’ve considered breast reduction surgery and you’d like to schedule an in-person consultation with our Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon in Brisbane, make an enquiry by calling (07) 3257 7950 or filling out your details here.
Dr Samuel Yang is an experienced plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon based in Brisbane.
A fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of both the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association, Dr Yang has been practising in both the private and public systems since 2013.
While the Queensland-trained surgeon can help with all plastic surgery needs, he has special interest in abdominoplasty, skin cancer and melanoma, breast surgery, face lifts and blepharoplasty.
Dr Yang aims to help his patients pick the best surgical option based on the desired result, and ensures they are comfortable and informed before making any commitment.
For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our friendly team on (07) 3257 7950 today or enquire online here.
