Racial and socioeconomic disparities in reduction mammoplasty: an analysis of nationwide inpatient sample database

Abstract

The American Society of Plastic Surgery recently recorded a decline in numbers of breast reductions, one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. The purpose of this study is to characterize the reduction mammoplasty patient population which would further assist in planning the future workforce needs. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for 2007, a χ analysis of female in-patients treated with reduction mammoplasty for breast hypertrophy was performed to identify significant differences in race and payer mix. Of 8394 female in-patients with breast hypertrophy, 61% were treated with reduction mammoplasty. Black and Hispanic patients (P < 0.0001) and patients with private insurance (P < 0.0001) were more likely to undergo reduction mammoplasty. This study demonstrates racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast reduction in the United States in 2007. With the pending institution of universal healthcare, it is predicted that disparities revealed may worsen due to cost containment pressures.