What Do You Do when You Dont Know if You Can Afford Breast Reduction Surgery but Feel You Need It? (photo)

I am 21 and i am 5'3 and about 160 to 175lbs an is has a somewhat tiny figure and have not yet had children. I have upper back pain an sagging with my breast. I am a 34O in bra size and have been sized with professional's more than once. I dont know if insurance will cover it and if they only cover some i dont know whether I will be able to afford the rest!!

added photo 2/15/12

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Katie6134 in North Providence RI

Doctor Answers (10)
Community Comments (0)

Breast reduction surgery

Your first step should be to visit with a Board Certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Many insurance companies do cover breast reduction, but have different criteria that must be met in order to get approval. You may want to contact your insurance company directly to see if it is a covered benefit by your policy. Good luck.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

8 reviews

Houston Plastic Surgeon

If you need it, you will find a way

If you are 5'3 and weigh 160 lbs, your body surface area is 1.79 meters squared. If you had Aetna insurance, they would require 645 gram removal. Size 34 corresponds to 200 grams per cup size reduction. If you are a size O then you would be a size L. If you want more than that removed, it could be done also. Insurance companies base coverage on symptoms which you have and weight removal. You should definately meet the criteria. You may have a... more

Paying for breast reduction

1. See a plastic surgeon and see if your insurance will cover a breast reduction for you 2. If they do not cover, negotiate a price with the plastic surgeon(you can check with other plastic surgeons also) 3. Save your money and get it done. You will not regret it.

Breast reduction

You should be examined by a board certified Plastic Surgeon. The surgeon can evaluate whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction and help you obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company. The amount of of money you will be out of pocket can also be estimated based on your benefits , deductible, and maximum out of pocket. The first step is to see a Plastic Surgeon and start the pre-authorization process. Good luck.

Insurance coverage for breast reduction

Policies vary significantly among insurance companies; however many, if not most, will cover a reduction if it is medically necessary which means if you are having symptoms like back or shoulder pain or shoulder grooving. Most plastic surgeons who perform this surgery will be able to work with you to determine what your insurance will cover. So your best bet is to find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and schedule a consultation. Good luck to you.

Breast reduction and cost

Without going for a consutlation, you wil not know the possible anser to your question. Each insurance company is a bit different and it is hard to tell without an exam and discussion of your goals. The first step may be to call your insurance company and ask their criteria for payment.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and insurance.

At my Austin, Texas area plastic surgery practice I can usually get most patients approved for breast reduction surgery if their plan doesn’t have a specific clause precluding this surgery as a benefit. I would start by calling your insurance provider and find out if this is covered benefit. Then ask what your deductible is and how much you are responsible for after the deductible is met. Plans vary widely, I have had patients have no out of pocket and have had... more

Mahlon Kerr, MD

17 reviews

Austin Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction

First off, I think you would be thrilled with the results of a breast reduction. At your age you do have to understand that the scars are permanent and the surgery could possibly interfere with breast feeding. See a surgeon and have his office preauthorize the surgery for you with your insurance carrier. I have, over the years, found that more and more patients are denied as the insurance companies limit coverage. Probably 30-40% of my patients are declined by their carrier. We have... more

Will Insurance cover my Breast Reduction?

From the dimensions of your breasts and the limitations and symptoms they impose on you it is reasonable to assume that your insurance would cover your breast reduction procedure. However, that is not how insurance works. Each insurance plan has a "menu" of covered and uncovered services. The plans that have the most covered "benefits" also cost the most. So having "insurance" does not mean you have great medical insurance. Your plan may or may not have breast... more

Breast Reduction and Insurance Coverage?

Thank you for the question. It sounds like you may need to do some more research into your specific situation. You may want to start with a consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon and a conversation with your insurance company. The plastic surgeon will be able to inform you if you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery and submit paperwork to the insurance company on your behalf. Your communication with the insurance company will provide... more