Breast Lift After Weight Loss Insurance Coverage

asked 2 years ago by 1992 in Illinois
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 828 times
Tags: breasts, female, 110-129 lbs, weight loss, insurance, side effects, weight, weight gain

I'm almost 18 years old, I lost a lost of weight weight, 80lbs in about 2 months. My weight gain was due to side effects of meds I was on for almost 2 years (Depakote and Zyprexa). At my biggest I was 210lbs and now I weigh 125lbs. I'm self conscious and embarrassed of my breasts; they look disgusting and saggy. Is there any way my insurance (BC/BS) would cover a breast lift?

11 answers to Breast Lift After Weight Loss Insurance Coverage

Breast Lifting and Insurance Coverage?

Congratulations on your significant weight loss. Patients who have had successful weight loss to the degree that you have experienced, often benefit from breast augmentation as well as breast lifting surgery. Neither one of these procedures are typically covered by health insurance plans. I would suggest in person consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience with patients who have had significant weight loss. Best... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift insurance coverage after weight loss

When bariatric surgery was a novelty, some carriers covered a variety of what would be considered cosmetic procedures after significant weight loss. However, now that lap banding and other procedures are much more common, they have cracked down. I know of no NY company that would pay for a lift even given that your weight gain was induced by medication prescribed for treatment of a medical condition. Best of luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast Lift after weight loss

Unfortunately, breast lift is usually not covered by most insurance companies for any indication. This is not considered "medically necessary". Breast reduction may be covered but a certain amount of tissue has to be removed and specific symptoms such as back and neck pain must be present. Most patients that have lost weight only need a lift and sometimes an inplant to correct sagging.

John M. Pierce, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

No insurance coverage for breast lift

I am sorry to inform you that a breast lift is not a covered service under any health insurance plan. This is an elective cosmetic procedure. By definition there are no functional limitations related to sagging breasts even after massive weight loss. If your breasts are excessively large a D cup or larger then a breast reduction may be covered if there are related symptoms and you fulfill the prerequisites of you health insurance plan.

Todd B. Koch, MD
Buffalo Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift after weight loss insurance coverage

As you can see the expert panel of posters, all (100%) agree that breast lifts are a non insurance covered benefit. But if you still would like to try I would have an evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Then ask him to write to the insurance company a pre-determination letter including photos. Maybe, just maybe, you will get an approval. But I doubt it. Regards and best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Insurance Coverage for Breast Lift (Mastopexy) after Large Weight Loss

No insurance company that I am familiar with will EVER cover / Pay for a Cosmetic procedure REGARDLESS of the reason. Breast Lift is a cosmetic operation and you will have a very hard time finding any insurance that would pay for it, be it BCBS or others. Sorry. Dr. P. Aldea

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

BCBS does not cover breast lift

Great job and keep up the good work. You need to have breast lift and insurance companies do not cover breast lift. This is more specific for the BC/BS, they do not cover breast lft or breast reduction.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Insurance coverage for Breast Lift

Breast lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, while a breast reduction is considered reconstruction, or medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Best to check with a plastic surgeon, perhaps he can find a way to get it covered. sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Breast lifts and insurance

I congratulate you on the weight loss, but unfortunately, I know of no insurance company that will cover a breast lift operation under their insurance plan.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

No insurance for breast lifts

A breast lift is considered to be entirely cosmetic because you can "live" without it. So, as it is not medically necessary, there is no way insurance will cover it regardless of why you might need one.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Insurance coverage for breast lift

Hi 1992, Congratualtions on your weight loss. I know you are distressed about your breasts but this can be corrected. In my experience in New York, this would not be covered. The best thing to do is have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Ask about insurance but be prepared that the answer is no. Find out what the cost would be. You can start a savings plan and eventually have the surgery. In the meantime, you will have selected a surgeon to work with in the... more