Breast Reduction Q&A
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Does United Health Care Cover Breast Reduction?

asked 1 year ago by Sanford in Sanford
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,949 times
Tags: age 18-24, 110-129 lbs, 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in, breast feeding, DDD cup, insurance

im 19 years old i weight 120 im 5"3 an my breast are DDD an i have lots of back problems. i ahve a little baby an i breast feed. is it still safe to get one? will it stop me from producing more milk?

8 answers to Does United Health Care Cover Breast Reduction?

+1

Breast Reduction and Breast Feeding?

Thank you for the question. Most breast reduction procedures involved leaving a certain amount of tissue intact to supply blood flow to the nipple/areola; this tissue is called the pedicle. These “pedicles” can bring blood flow from above (superior) or from below (inferior). It is the presence of this breast tissue that makes breast-feeding an option for many patients who have undergone breast reduction surgery. I am not aware of any studies that show one... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Determining insurance coverage of breast reduction

Your best bet is to find a participating surgeon and go in for a consultation and have a predetermination of benefits letter composed to ascertain your level of coverage.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction-Does Insurance cover

This is always a tough question.If a patient is symptomatic then usually yes.Insurance companies usually take your weight and height and have a formula to decide how much breast tissue needs to be removed.Many times people come in who are overweight AND have large breasts and the insurance company will say lose 40#.I tell my  patients insurance companies want to deny claims so they can hold on to your money.I would complete my nursing and allow the breasts to settle before... more
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

www.beauty-by-brueck.com

+1

Insurance approval for breast reduction surgery

You will need a consultation to determine if you meet the insurance requirements for a breast reduction.  All of the insurance have different criteria for approval but in general they require that approximately 500 grams of breast tissue are to removed along with symptoms related to large breasts.  These may include large heavy breasts, painful breasts, inability to exercise due to breast pain, back neck and shoulder pain and rashes under the breasts.  Also some mention of... more
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction criteria

You may very likely meet the criteria set by yoru insurance company, but you should really check with them first.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

United Health Care Cover Breast Reduction

If you meet the requirements as stated by United Health Care than YES they will cover the surgery. But not while you are breast feeding. Seek a boarded plastic surgeon provider for United in the United Provider handbook. 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction after breast feeding

Wait a few months after you have completed breast feeding to allow your breast tissues to resume their typical size, weight and skin quality. If you are able to provide the documentation required by United to pre-approve your breast reduction, you should be able to get it done. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon for assistance with the process.
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction is often covered by insurance

Congratulations on your baby.  Of course, any breast reduction would need to wait until a few months after you are done breastfeeding.  Around that time, you should seek a consultation with a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery regarding breast reduction.  United Healthcare does often cover medically necessary breast reductions, and your surgeon will be able to guide you through the process.  Best wishes!
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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