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Can I Go from a 34DD to 34C and Still Meet 500gram Insurance Requirement

asked 4 months ago by SLWB in Norfolk, VA
Latest answer by Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Question viewed 161 times
Tags: DD to C cup, insurance

I am a healthy 32 year old with a height of 4'10'' and a weight of 95lbs (I am very petite). I would like to have a breast reduction due to the stress on my small frame. Is it possible to reduce my breast size from a full 34DD to a 34C and meet the insurance requirement of 500grams per breast? Or would the 500gram requirement cause me to drop to a B?

7 answers to Can I Go from a 34DD to 34C and Still Meet 500gram Insurance Requirement

+1

Too small to meet insurance requirements

If you wear a size 34 bra then each 100 cc's is 1 cup size change. To go down 500 cc's, you will be about a size B. However, you described that the purpose of the breast reduction is to reduce the stress on your small frame. You are a candidate for a new procedure that transfers weight to the underlying pectoral major muscle to relieve neck, back and shoulder pain. From what you have described you will NOT meet insurance requirements and you will end up paying... more
Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.horndeski.com

+1

500 gms in a 95 lbs woman

This is an excellent question and one that shows the problems of insurance requirements and a third party having control over breast reduction choices as well as using grams removed as the measured factor -- something similar to using cc's of an implant to figure results from an augmentation. There is no way to know or accurately measure the weight of the tissue to be removed before the procedure. 500 grams to a 95 lb woman is completely different proportionally than to a woman... more
Scott L. Replogle, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction and insurance requiremens

An exam would be necessary to answer your question. Bra sizes vary and a 32C is basically equivalent to a 34B. You should discuss your expectations with a board certified plastic surgeon. I have seen few companies which permit 350 gram reductions at this time and many have additional requirements. If you are truly seeking a reduction because of back pain, then at your height and weight, a slightly larger resection may be in your best interests in terms of alleviating your symptoms. more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.foresthillsplasticsurgery.com

+1

DD to C with insurance coverage in petite woman

It would be difficult to say without examining you to see your relative size and how dense/heavy your breasts feel. Different insurance companies have different requirements and you do not want to be in a situation where the surgeon must take too much just to meet the insurance criteria. I would get the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast reduction procedures and is familiar with working with your insurance company. From your... more
Marialyn Sardo, MD

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

www.centerforbeauty.com

+1

Breast reduction insurance requirements

The amount of weight that needs to be removed per cup varies by chest wall measurements as well as the density of the breast. Based upon my personal experience, I would expect a 500gm reduction would be more likely to result in a B cup breast. When you mention the insurance requirement of 500gm, you should be advised that insurance company rules do vary - for example, for someone your height and weight, Aetna would require an approximately 300gm reduction (please note, this... more
Craig S. Rock, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.drcraigrock.com

+1

Breast reduction

Without an exam it is difficult to say whether or not a 500 gm reduction can be performed to keep you at the volume you want. Some breasts that are very dense are heavier and it is easier to achieve that goal.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction and Insurance Requirements?

Thank you for the question. Based on the description of your body type and breast size I think you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery; It certainly sounds like your breasts are out of proportion to the remainder of your torso. For patients like yourself, breast reduction is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Unfortunately, there is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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