I am sorry to hear the insurance benefits that you have do not cover breast reduction surgery. In the Chicago area where I practice this has been a trend for some time now. Despite the proven benefits of less back strain and postural backache and improved ability to exercise most of the PPO plans in our area will no longer provide coverage for this very beneficial procedure. Even Blue Cross plans in Illinois send our patients a list of 15 criteria they must meet in order to qualify. They must meet all 15, one of which requires a year of physical therapy, another strict weight requirements. Interestingly many of our HMO plans will still provide coverage.
This push by insurance to deny coverage in most cases has induced many surgeons to improve how they approach the procedure. It must be affordable and in Chicago the total cost is around $7500. This will include everything necessary, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, bras, and aftercare.
Hospital costs are very high and our practice uses an office based accredited facility. Surgery usually involves a newer short scar technique, and of course there is no overnight hospital stay. We do not use any tubes or drains and this allows showering and full activity from the start. Recovery is about a week. I have adopted this routine for the past seven years and patients have been very happy with it. I hope you can find a surgeon in your area as well who can make reduction affordable to you.
Best of luck.
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