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Will Insurance Cover Revision for Uneven Breast Reduction Results?

I had a Breast reduction done many years ago and have very painful scar tissue as a result of it. My breasts are also 2 VERY different sizes where do you find a bra with a B cup and a C cup : (

Will my insurance pay for this disaster to be corrected?

Asked 32 months ago by mkw569 in Jarrettsville, MD

Read my review "Surgery Gone Bad."

Sort 13 expert answers by:
+2

Unbalanced Breast Size

Please check the eligibility requirements of your insurance plan first. These are usually posted on their website and include the Company's rules on how many grams (weight) per side should be resected, as well as their recommendations on whether you have "failed" conservative therapy (such as physical therapy, weight reduction, utilization of support bras, etc.). The Company's may also have a position on your BMI (Body Mass Index, weight in kg/ heigh in cm), which must conform... more
Lavinia Chong, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

It depends on your insurance

Coverage of breast reduction revison depends on your insurance.  You will most likely have to have your plastic surgeon submit pictures along with a letter of medical necessity to obtain preapproval. Good luck.
David A. Robinson, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Reduction Revision

It really depends on your insurance, some will and some wont. It just depends on who reviews the preauthorization paper work. You plastic surgeon will have to take pictures and submit it to the insurance company to see if they approve the surgery. I would likley say they will not.
Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Check with your insurance plan first

It is important to check with your plan first if this type of revisional surgery is coverd. Next would be to find a plastic surgeon who participates in your plan. The other option is to have the surgery done by an experienced plastic surgeon, even though he/she might not be on your plan. He/she can still submit the claim, but your insurance might cover only part of the surgical cost. Some plans require preauthorization first and would not cover medical expenses retrograde. Good luck.... more
George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+2

Find a plastic surgeon who works with insurance

After being seen by a plastic surgeon who accepts your health care plan, they would make a decision as to whether this could be submitted to the carrier for coverage. You may also need to be referred to your plastic surgeon by your primary care manager if you have an HMO type plan. There truly is no way to know if your insurance will help you. I wish you well. Dr Edwards
Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Your insurer will decide what is a covered procedure

Once you have determined whether any surgical procedure is indicated, your plastic surgeon can provide you and your insurer with the appropriate codes. At that point you'll find out whether they cover the work or not. There's just too much variation in the coverage for all the available plans out there for anyone to tell you 'yes or no'. That answer will need to come from your insurance company. Best of luck.
Brian K. Brzowski, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage?

Thank you for the question. Every insurance company has different policy as far as what are considered medically necessary and covered benefits. Generally, the more supporting documentation ( of medical necessity) you have from your primary care physician and/or plastic surgeon the better your chances for obtaining coverage. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage for a revision of a breast reduction

Patients today have many great options in breast reduction surgery. Like all surgery, there are always the risks of certain complications such as an uneven scar. If this scar is causing significant discomfort, it may be possible to have the revision surgery covered by your insurance company. However keep in mind that every insurance plan is different than your best bet is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has great deal of experience in breast contouring as well as scar... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

No Rhyme or Reason

Mkw, Unfortunately, there is almost no rhyme or reason as to what insurance carriers will or will not cover. It depends on what state you are in, what insurance carrier you have, what your specific plan is and sometimes who picks up the phone when you call for authorization. It's that ridiculous. A letter from your surgeon would document your symptoms and the medical necessity for surgery. Sometimes photos of your condition are helpful for the insurance company to appreciate the cause... more
Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

It all depends on your insurance.

It really depends on your insurance policy, however, if it is a complication from a previously covered surgery, then you may have a good chance for coverage. You will likely need to see the surgeon and have them write a letter to your insurance company to get pre-authorization for the procedure. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance to cover breast revision surgery?

It is difficult to tell you whether or not your insurance company will pay for revision surgery of your asymmetry.  They may pay for scar revision if  your scars are truly painful and enlarged.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hard to say

It doesn't hurt to ask or to try but I doubt it. Some insurance companies will cover reductions and mastopexies under specific conditions so you may get an authorization for the procedure. But be prepared for the insurance company to refuse to pay once they review your surgery, pathology, and photos. Authorization and promise to pay are two independent processes within insurance plans.
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage after previous reduction

They MIGHT. A strong letter by your surgeon , accompanied by photos,emphasizing the functional aspects of your situation is the place to start. Focusing on the scar revision can help gain approval.
Barry H. Dolich, MD
Bronx Plastic Surgeon
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