Though the reasons for a woman to undergo breast reduction surgery may vary, the surgery is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. Now, a new study has shown that breast reduction surgery is effective in improving patient health.

The study, published in the August issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, shows that breast reduction surgery can raise women’s physical health, as well as mental well-being. Specifically, patients reported satisfaction with their psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being following breast reduction, as well as satisfaction with the appearance of their breasts. Women reported improvement in breast, neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as better sleep and a greater ability to exercise.

Study participants were given a survey that was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of breast reduction surgery. On a 100-point scale, the average rating from participants in their psychosocial well-bing rose to 84 after surgery, compared to 41 before. Participants rated, on average, their sexual well-being at 78 after surgery (up from 40) and their physical well-being at 81 (up from 43).

The purpose of the study was to provide evidence that breast reduction surgeries do improve the health of patients. This is important, the study’s author’s say, to convince insurance companies to cover the procedure.

“The improvement in physical activity, decrease in costly chronic medical complaints and improvement in overall quality of life indicated by this survey study validates insurance coverage for this procedure,” wrote the study’s authors.