Breast Reduction or Lift?

I am 5'2 120 pounds and am considering a breast reduction or lift. My breasts are saggy, large, and cause me considerable back and neck pain. I have about 600 cc DD in both breasts, and for my insurance to cover the reduction they require 350 cc to be removed. I would like to have perkier, smaller breasts with the least amount of scarring possible. I'm concerned 350 cc taken away would make me too small. What is my best choice in this situation, I would like some of the weight to be take away.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by wheninparis

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (0)

Breast Reduction or Lift

Without physical examination, you will not receive an appropriate treatment recommendation. Based on your stated objecties, you may be seeking a breast lift which would not be covered by insurance. Consult with 2 - 3 board certified plastic surgeons (who are preferably in your network) in order to understand your treatment options.

Breast Reduction or Lift

This is a good question. Insurance companies have guidelines regarding insurance reimbursement. As a Plastic Surgeon, I do not like having an insurance company dictate how much tissue to take off a patient's breast. You need to discuss this with your surgeon letting him know what size breast you want. You may find that you are more comfortable with a mastopexy ( breast lift) and minor breast reduction. Having said this, your insurance company may not... more

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Candidate for breast reduction surgery

It is difficult to give you a firm answer without a physical examination but in general if you are symptomatic due to overly large breasts then a breast reduction would be a good option for you. If you are a DD then reducing the breasts to a C+ size would be appropriate and should give you good proportions.

Breast reduction

Without an exam it is difficult to say how much tissue can be removed to leave you with a nice looking breast and reasonable volume. 350 gms per breast is less than a pound each.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction or lift

Breast volume is measured in grams, not ccs. If your insurance uses 350 grams as a standard, you are extremely fortunate. You will to see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation who can tell you approximately what the resulting bra size would be. However, a breast reduction requires a vertical T scar. When you express the desire for minimal scarring, perkiness and not being too small, that leads to me to sense that what you are really looking for is a small reduction/lift... more

Breast Reduction or Breast Lift?

Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations performed but it will behoove you to learn about the potential risks/complications associated with the procedure as well. Scarring on the breast is a trade-off; abnormal scarring may occur. When patients undergo breast reduction surgery, their breasts are lifted at the same time. You will be best... more