Breast Reduction Uncovered

Medical aid schemes are paid princely sums every month by their members, and yet there are certain surgical procedures for which one cannot claim ‒ a prime example being breast reduction surgery. PAOLA CHELLEW, with invaluable help from plastic surgeon Dr Isabel Do Vale, delves into the reasons why women find themselves with no support regarding this particular operation.

- Paola Chellew

Women in South Africa recently came together in support of a weighty issue concerning breast reduction surgery not being covered by medical aid schemes. The gauntlet was thrown down to the larger healthcare conglomerates by Goodluck singer Juliet Harding, when she shared her story on social media. According to doctors from APRASSA (Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa), her courage and conviction achieved more awareness in minutes compared to their years of constant petitioning around these interests.

Dr Isabel Do Vale (plastic surgeon and executive committee member of APRASSA) says:

“Breast reduction surgery is often not openly discussed, and is seldom featured in magazines, blogs or on social media. Yet having overly large breasts (known in medical terms as macromastia) is a condition that affects many women and can be quite debilitating.”

Juliet's Journey