Breast Reduction, is It Worth It?

I'm a 29 year old female who has always had large breasts (DD and up). After having my second child I am now at a 38H. I'm 5'5" and 190lbs, which makes my BMI around 31, yet i only wear a size 12 in pants, so a good portion of my weight is muscular. Do you think breast reduction is for me? And do you think my insurance (BCBS) would cover to have it done? I would like to be a B cup to a C cup in size. Also, is it better to wait till I am done having children before having it done?

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by RetroVixen77

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Breast Reduction can be very fulfilling

Hi there- Breast reduction can be incredibly life changing and is associated with a very high rate of patient satisfaction. I would definitely wait until your family is complete however. Once ready to proceed, I would visit with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a consultation. They will be able to advise you on whether or not your insurer will cover the procedure.

Breast reduction and coverage

It is always best to ask your insurance carrier what the criteria are for breast reduction approval. Then I suggest you seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction: Is It Worth It?

Thank you for the question. Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise. Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life... more

Breast Reduction is Worth It

Breast reduction patients are some of the happiest patients we have. After years of walking around with heavy breast, leading the neck and back pain, patients instantly feel relief after surgery. The recovery is minimal in most cases and you go home the same day as the surgery. I would suggest that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to go over your options. As for insurance coverage, you would have to check your specific plan to see what they cover.... more

Breast reduction is a great operation

Breast reduction surgery is a great operation and you should consider having the procedure if you feel that your breast size is out of proportion to the rest of your body. BCBS has relatively straightforward requirements for coverage which can be found at the BCBSNC reference attached below. Basically, you need to demonstrate that you have significant back and neck pain that is not responsive to non-surgical treatments. (Or problems with hygiene in the skin underneath the breasts).... more

Breast reduction is a great procedure

Breast reduction has an almost unanimous satisfaction rate. BC may cover you, notwithstanding the BMI, if you cross their threshold frommacromastia to gigantomastia. In general, it's advisable to delay breast lift or tummy tuck or lipo until you are finished with childbearing. However, I must note that insurance companies are making it more anymore difficult to get breast reductions approved. If you can be preauthorized now, it may be advisable to proceed. Additional pregnancies may... more

Considering Breast Reduction Surgery.

Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in person to determine for sure if you are a good candidate, but your description makes it sound like you would benefit from breast reduction surgery. Breast reductions have one of the highest satisfaction rates out of all the procedures I perform. In addition, we specialize in the short-scar breast reduction technique, which reduces scarring from the procedure and usually reduces recovery time, which could be very helpful for a mother of... more

Breast Reduction

By your height and weight, you should easily have the physical criteria for a breast reduction to be medically necessary. With BCBS, and most insurance carriers, they require more than an amount to approve the surgery. Back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as shoulder grooving all aid in the approval process, but this is usually not enough. The insurance companies want to know how your large breasts encumber your daily life. Discuss this with your board-certified... more

Is Breast Reduction Worth it?

Only you can determine if breast reduction "Is worth it". But based on my patients that have had breast reduction, I would say it may be the procedure with the highest satisfaction rate. You need to have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss in detail all the pros and cons specifically for you. You need to be aware of the risks, even though they are low, some of them are; possible loss of nipple sensation, you might lose the ability to breast feed and you may need... more

Timing of breast reduction

Thank you for the question. Based on the information you provided. I think you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. The timing of surgery will depend on your symptoms. Having shoulder, neck or back pain!, self esteem usually improved after reduction. As for insurance coverage, your procedure has to be autherized by your insurance. You have to make sure that breast reduction is a procedure covered by your policy. Best wishes. more