Cost-effectiveness of reduction mammaplasty

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide a comparison of the benefits of reduction mammaplasty (RM) for women with heavy breasts often termed macromastia or breast hypertrophy (BH) surgery. The rationale is to provide information to allow decision-makers to make judgments about the cost-effectiveness of this intervention and make comparisons with other interventions which are commonly undertaken within publicly financed health-care systems. Methods: Data from a previous outcomes study in Sweden is re-analyzed to derive quality of life measures, from which a mean level of benefit outcome is derived and a cost per quality-adjusted life year is calculated (cost per QALY). Results: The low Cost per QALY suggests that reduction mammaplasty is cost-effective when compared with other treatments which are commonly undertaken. Conclusions: The authors suggest that the evidence in favor of funding reduction mammaplasty is strong and that decision-makers review their policy in light of this new evidence.