Breast Reduction: Q&A

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Wait to Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction?

I use 42DDD bras. I want Breast reduction but I want something like a D. I have Medical. Will Medical cover it if I just want a D?

I'm overweight. Would it be best to wait to loose the weight before I get a reduction?

13 Doctor Answers | Asked by mri831 in salinas ca
+3

Weight loss before breast reduction

Patients should always try to be at a stable weight before any surgery, especially if their weight might affect the final result. Most doctors ask the patient to do what is reasonablly possible, not get down to some impossible weight. My colleagues are absolutely correct that after breast reduction many patients become more active and lose even more weight.
+2

Lose weight prior to breast reduction

It is better to lose the weight prior to undergoing breast reduction because your breasts may further decrease in size with ongoing weight loss. Therefore if you become a D and lose weight your D cup could become a C cup. In regards to medical, I would contact one of your local physicians. In many instances state agencies will not accept predetermination of benefits letters. In this instance coverage may be determined by the amount removed.
+1

Weight Loss before Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. The ideal situation is for you to lose weight and be stable in regards to weight prior to surgery - that will give you the best chances of long-term results you will be happy with. If you, for example, have the surgery and then lose 20 more pounds, you may need to have another surgery because... more

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+1

Weight Loss Before Breast Reduction

First, I would recommend losing the weight prior to having breast reduction surgery. Significant weight loss after surgery will affect your cosmetic result from the breast reduction. Second, your surgeon would need to get an authorization to see if your insurance company would cover your surgery. Hope that helps.
+1

Weight loss before breast reduction

Although breasts are comprised partly of fat, even drastic weight loss won't result in significant shrinkage in that area (and even then, the breasts will still be saggy). Many doctors ignore a crucial dilemma: When your breasts are so large, exercise is a miserable, if not impossible, option. Being overweight doesn't exclude you from having breast reduction surgery. In fact, it will motivate you to lose weight by improving your body image and freeing you to exercise with minimal bouncing... more
+1

Breast reduction and weight loss

If you are planning to lose a lot of weight I would wait to undergo a breast reduction. The breasts will get smaller with weight loss and so I would wait.
+1

Breast Reduction, Weight Loss and Medical Insurance Coverage

Great questions - several comments are in order. WEIGHT LOSS - If you are over-weight then weight loss to a healthy range (or better your ideal weight) is in order regardless of any plans for a breast reduction. You would feel, look and be healthier. Moreover, IF weight loss causes you a decrease in the size of the breasts, you really would want it BEFORE a breast reduction - not after. Finally, many insurance companies require you to lose weight before they would authorize a breast... more
+1

Breast Reduction & weight loss

You will always get your best results, with the greatest safety, and with the longer lasting results, the closer you are to your ideal weight.  Insurance companies are fickle and variable.  Try to get your physician to do a pre-certification.
+1

Better to lose weight before breast reduction

It sounds like you are in the difficult situation of needing to lose weight but having difficulty exercising because of heavy breasts. However, you need to know that the risk of complications with surgery is higher in patients who are overweight, and your results will be better in my opinion if you can lose the weight first.
+1

OK to have breast reduction if overweight.

Hi. Breast reduction surgery will benefit you right now.  Being overweight is a separate issue.  Having smaller breasts often encourages women to lose weight after surgery.
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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