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Is Visiting a Psychologist Necessary for Breast Reduction?

asked 1 year ago by Twig from Detroit
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 168 times
Tags: mental illness

I am mildly dysphoric about my breasts and rather want a breast reduction taking my large-C-cup breasts to a manageable A-cup. I am 18 and want to know if it is true that I need to go to a therapist for permission to get this procedure. I have talked to several friends, all saying that although I have no desire to have any other procedure other than reduction done, I will be recommended to see a therapist to be checked for mental disorders and then denied treatment based on the diagnosis.

8 answers to Is Visiting a Psychologist Necessary for Breast Reduction?

Psychological evaluation prior to breast reduction surgery

Hello Twig: In my experience it is not necessary to obtain a psychological evaluation prior to breast reduction. I frankly have not seen this as a prerequisite by an insurance carrier, although they seem to put so many "road-blocks" in the way of approval that I wouldn't be surprised that this would be mandated by some carriers. Since you are only 18, your "body image" will be undergoing a number of changes in the... more

Jerry Lugger, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

C cup to A cup is a huge body image change. Be careful.

Breasts cannot be reduced infinitely without creating new problems. It would be possible to take you down one cup size, but experienced surgeons will tell you not to go farther. Because the base diameter of your breasts cannot be changed, you would end up with broad, flat breasts. You would then be faced with living with a different deformity and the only option of having implants. Get experienced, responsible advise and be careful.

Mark B. Constantian, MD
Nashua Plastic Surgeon

Body Dysmorphic be wise

WOW, How insightful of you to know the warning signs. Many surgeons out there don't even have this insight. Doing an operation and needing an operation are 2 very different things. You state you are a C and only 18. I may understand this more if you were a double D. Get the therapy and let a few years go by.

Charles Virden, MD
Reno Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction - Do I Have to be Seen by a Therapist Prior to Surgery?

Hi Twig, There is not normally an absolute requirement that you see a therapist before undergoing this procedure BUT each insurance company is different and has its own rules. Your insurance company may have a range of requirements that will have to be met before the procedure is "covered." On the other hand, going from a C to an A is a very significant change. You may read that people go down 2 or 3 cup sizes, but going from an H to a DD is very different from... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Candidate?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description of your current age, breast size and goals I think you should wait before having any breast surgery. I do not believe that your breasts currently cause symptoms typically seen with breast hypertrophy. Although it is not necessary to see a “therapist for permission” it may be in your best interests to see one anyway to discuss your “mild dysphoria”. If you decide to have surgery make sure you have... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Psycology pre operative

An elective procedure always has the potential for second guessing. If you are already questioning if a consult will be helpful to you, I think the answer is yes. The more secure and comfortable you are with a decision the better it will be for you and your outcome. Good luck

Rodger Wade Pielet, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Seek out the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon to consult

A qualified plastic surgeon should be able to advise you but generally a psychiatric evaluation is not indicated. Insurance companies usually require the patient to be 21 years old.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon