Will my Insurance Pay for Breast Lift? Doctor Answers, Tips
Breast Lift: Q&A
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Will my Insurance Pay for Breast Lift?

62 Doctor Answers | Asked by angela robin keel in 37110
+3

Insurance doesn't cover breast lifting

There isn't any coverage available for breast lifting as it is considered not medically necessary. The only way insurance would be involved in a lift is if it were part of a full breast reduction.
+2

Insurance Does Not Cover Breast Lift BUT Does Cover Breast Lift & Breast Reduction Combined

Insurance carriers will not pay for breast lift surgery. Occasionally, patients requesting breast lift may also have an element of breast hypertrophy. Under these circumstances, a breast lift in combination with a small breast reduction may be a covered expense. This depends entirely on the insurance company’s criteria for weight of tissue removed. To make these determinations, a consultation is necessary and if the insurance company does not cover the procedure, a cosmetic fee quote for... more
+2

Insurance companies won't pay for a breast lift

Although many insurance companies pay for breast reductions, they certainly do not pay for breast lifts (mastopexy).  A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to treat sagging or droopiness of the breasts.  During a typical breast lift procedure, excess breast skin is removed, the areola is made smaller, and the nipple position is raised to a more appropriate level.

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+2

Insurance and a breast lift

In most cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) will not be covered by insurance.  It is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and cosmetic procedures are rarely covered by insurance.  If a breast reduction is performed, a breast lift is achieved as well.  Breast reductions can be covered by insurance depending on the insurance plan and how much the breasts are reduced.  In breast cancer reconstruction, a breast lift will be covered to help match breast size/shape.... more
+2

Insurance Won't Pay for Cosmetic Procedures

Because breast lift is for improving the appearance of the breast and doesn't repair an abnormality, health insurance will not cover costs for breast lift.
+2

Insurance coverage of breast lift procedure

These are some conditions where the insurance will cover breast lift: Congenital deformity such as to make the breast symmetric and Tuberous breast deformity As part of breast reduction for large breasts Reconstrucitve options such as after cancer reconstructions Most often they are not covered. A lot depends on the insurance plan and sepcific coverage. Hope this was helpful.
+2

Breast lifts and insurance

Breast reduction procedures where a large amount of breast tissue is removed from each breast are occasionally covered in part or entirely by insurance. Breast lifts are cosmetic operations and not covered by insurance.
+2

Insurance coverage of breast lift

In addition to the notes below occasionally insurance companies will cover a breast lift for breast asymmetry. If there is a big difference in the shape of your breasts correcting that may be a covered benefit. If both breasts are the same size (approximately) and you are happy with the overall size of the breasts but just want them lifted - that will be likely harder to get covered. The other thing to remember about insurance is sometimes submitting appeals can be an effective way to... more
+2

Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction: Criteria for surgery and insurance coverage

Many patients ask whether insurance covers breast reduction or breast lift. The important criteria to note in patients requesting breast surgery are as follows: Amount of skin redundancy Position of the nipple areolar complex Volume excess Symptoms or cosmetic complaints Insurance coverage for breast surgery has specific indications and rightly so. Insurance companies cannot cover all patients requesting cosmetic enhancement of their breast. Rather, they... more
+2

Not likely

A "breast lift" or mastopexy is a cosmetic operation and will not be covered by insurance. The mastopexy is designed to recontour the breast so that the tissue and the breast skin envelope are a better match, i.e. that they produce a more projected and uplifted breast. A "breast reduction" in a literal sense would not provide a lift, but the way most breast reductions (except the "scarless" or liposuction reduction) are done would provide a lift as well. A breast reduction, however, is... more
+2

A breast lift is usually considered a cosmetic operation

Breast sagging is not usually considered a medical condition thus a breast lift performed only for cosmetic reasons is not a covered procedure. When performing a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy it is common to have to modify the opposite breast for equalization. A breast lift performed under these circumstances would usually be covered by insurance.
+2

A breast lift is a cosmetic operation which should not be paid for by insurance.

Insurance companies are very reluctant to pay even for procedures that are really medically indicated. If a woman has large breasts that are causing symptoms, then a breast reduction should absolutely be covered by insurance, and we go out of our wau to help patients with this. But a breast lift is done just to make you look better and so it is really not medically necessary.
+2

No Insurance In Most Cases

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Reduction are described by two separate procedure codes ("CPT codes") when a bill is submitted to the insurance carrier. Health insurance carriers routinely deny payment of the CPT code for Breast Lift (Mastopexy). This procedure is considered cosmetic, and therefore not medically-necessary, by insurance carriers. Occasionally, there are exceptions to the rule, however. If patients have had massive weight loss following bariatric surgery, they... more
+1

Insurance not likely cover breast lift

Hi, as others have suggested, the short answer is no, your insurance is not likely to cover a breast lift. Many insurances will not cover breast reduction either. Aside from reconstructive surgery due to breast cancer, most breast procedures are considered cosmetic and are therefore not covered. Best of luck.
+1

Insurance Does Not Consider Breast Lifts Medically Necessary

It is always good to get insurance to help with coverage of plastic surgery when it is possible. However insurance plans are quite strict about excluding an operation that is more for appearance than function. A breast lift improves breast shape, but there is no scientific proof that it improves mobility, back pain or shoulder pain. A "mastopexy" would be an excluded procedure.
+1

Insurance

I do not know of any insurance company that will cover a breast lift. They cover part or all of the surgery if it is done in a patient with breast cancer. A breast lift is an inherent part of a breast reduction and is performed to balance out the two sides
+1

Typically Insurance Will Not Pay For Breast Lift

Some insurance companies will pay for a breast reduction with proper documentation of large painful breasts, but I have not seen insurance cover only to lift the breasts. That is considered purely cosmetic and not medically necessary.
+1

Insurance coverage for a breast lift

I do not know of any insurance plan that covers breast lift surgery. Breast reduction surgery coverage requires that you have significant documented back and neck pain or intertrigo along with documented failed attempts to treat the symptoms with conservative therapies. Most insurance plans will also require a specific volume of tissue be removed that varies with your height and weight. Mastopexy surgery really does not fall into these type of parameters.
+1

Will my Insurance Pay for Breast Lift?

Insurance companies do not cover expenses related to breast lift (mastopexy). The reason is that this procedure is a cosmetic procedure. They will pay for some breast reductions if certain criteria are met.
+1

We'll insurance cover a breast lift.

The short answer is that I think that insurance coverage for breast left is very unlikely. The only case where I could conceive that it might be possible is if you have lost a few 100 pounds and are having skin irritation underneath the breast. Beyond that, I doubt that it would get covered. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
+1

Will my Insurance Pay for a Breast Lift

A mastopexy or breast lift is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by any insurance plans. There are numerous finance plans for cosmetic surgery.
+1

Rare insurance coverage for breast lift

The only time insurance will pay for a breast lift is when it is done to "restore symmetry" in a patient who has had a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. So, if the remaining healthy breast has significantly more sagging (ptosis) than the reconstructed breast, insurance will often pay for a lift of the healthy breast. In all other cases, the procedure is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary.
+1

Breast Lifting and Insurance Coverage?

No, insurance companies do not provide coverage for breast lifting surgery. They do however sometimes provide coverage for breast reduction surgery. Best wishes.
+1

Insurance will not cover a Breast Lift

No, insurance will not cover a Breast Lift. If it is an actual Breast Reduction that you need than you may have a chance. Just lifting the breasts without removing a large volume of breast tissue would be considered a cosmetic procedure.
+1

No insurance coverage for breast lift

Insurance pays for breast reductions in instances where sufficient breast tissue is removed and there is functional medical necessity for the procedure. A breast lift is considered cosmetic and would not be covered. New York carriers do not consider tuberous breast deformity or developmental asymmetry to be covered procedures so, if you live elsewhere and your insurers are willing to cover all or part of such a procedure, you are incredibly fortunate.
+1

Breast lift or Breast Reduction

Some insurance companies will pay for a breast reduction but not a breast lift. You may qualify for a small breast reduction. There are restrictions on coverage which vary from insurance carrier to insurance carrier. Ask your plastic surgeon to submit a pre-authorization letter to your insurance carrier to see if this is a covered benefit, it only costs the price of a stamp!
+1

Breast lift and insurance coverage

Hello, A breast lift alone will not be covered by insurance. The closest you wil get is a breast reduction. If your plastic surgeon submitts a breast reduction request to your insurance company and they approve it without any amount/weight requirement of tissue removed then you can essentially get a breast lift covered by insurance. This is a rare event, and in general breast lift should be considered cosmetic and not approved by insurance. All the best, Dr Repta more
+1

Insurance coverage

In general insurance does not cover a lift (mastopexy).  It may cover a breat reduction if you meet certain criteria.  There also may be instances where it would cover if it was considered breast reconstruction.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Plastic Surgeon.
+1

Insurance and Breast Lift

In most cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) is considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by insurance.
+1

A BREAST LIFT IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

Cosmetic procedures such as a mastopexy / breast lift are not covered by insurance. A breast lift that is covered is usually associated with breast cancer. Best to check your policy with your insurance company. Dr. Carlos Cordoba MDCM, CSPQ, FRCS, FACS Plastic & Esthetic Surgeon 4055 Ste-Catherine O. Suite 100 Montreal, QC. Canada H3Z 3J8 514-932-7667
+1

Breast Lift is Cosmetic Surgery

Insurance companies will cover breast surgery only with a history of breast cancer / breast cancer surgery (mastectomy) or traumatic reconstruction.  A breast lift is deemed a cosmetic procedure and not medically indicated by itself
+1

Insurance MAY cover lift

As a general rule insurances do not cover cosmetic surgery, and a pure breast lift would be considered cosmetic.  That said, there are many differant levels of insurance coverage, some even have a "cosmetic surgery benefit" written into it, which the person pays extra for.  For most insurances, they are looking to see if there is a "functional" problem, ie recurrant rashes or infections under the breasts or back/neck pain.  If there is no functional... more
+1

Insurance usually doesn't pay for breast lifts.

Insurance usually doesn't pay for breast lifts.  The only way to know for sure it to check your individual insurance benefits.
+1

Insurance Coverage for Breast Lift unlikely

Seriously doubt it but the only way to know is to call your company and ask them directly.
+1

Breast lift insurance coverage

Insurance plans vary in their coverage in different states and via different providers.  I have not had any breast lifts covered by insurance, unless a reduction is involved.  A lift is quite similar to a reduction.  In essence, a breast lift is "built into" most reductions.  Unfortunately, most plans require excision of a specific amount of breast tissue in order to cover the procedure.  Unless your breasts are quite large, this will not likely apply... more
+1

Breast lift alone...nope.

Hello, Health insurance may pay for breast reduction surgery, but will not pay for a breast lift unless you have had breast cancer surgery in which case may be possible. The best thing is to call your insurance company and ask them. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD
+1

Insurance MAY pay for Breast Reduction (lift); They never pay for Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Depending on your particular contract with an insurance company, they MAY partially pay for a Breast Reduction surgery (which BOTH takes off breast weight and lifts the breasts making them more perky). As a rule, Medicare, Medicaid, Campus, Tricare and private insurance companies do NOT pay for Cosmetic Surgery, including lifting sagging breasts. Dr. Peter Aldea
+1

Insurance paying for a breast lift

Breast lift only reshapes the breast and is a cosmetic procedure.  It is not covered by insurance.  Breast reduction is another matter. Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.
+1

Will insurance cover breast lifts

It depends.  If there is also a reduction component to the surgery, then the insurance company may pay for it.  However, they are very picky about coverage and make sure that you are symptomatic (back and neck pain, rashes, strap marks, etc).  For just a lift with not symptoms I highly doubt that they will provide any coverage. 
+1

Will insurance cover a breast lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) can be covered by insurance if a certain number of criteria are met.  The insurance companies need to see a certain amount of breast tissue removed (usally 500 gms per side)- this can typically be achieved more often with a breast reduction than with a breast lift.  The patient needs to demonstrate symptoms of back and/or neck pain which may be relieved by the reduced size of the breasts.  Occasionally some patients can develop rashes under their... more
+1

Insurance pays for what it medically necessary: a breast lift is not

Insurance will often cover a breast reduction (which includes a breast lift), but insurance will not cover just a breast lift.  A breast reduction can improve function: relieve back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, etc.  A breast lift just makes breasts look better.
+1

Insurance coverage of breast lifts

Most breast lifts are considered cosmetic procedures and as such are not covered by insurance companies. Occasionally if there is reconstruction of the breast following trauma or cancer, your plastic surgeon may be able to obtain insurance coverage for the surgery.
+1

Breast lift v. Breast reduction

Angela- Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic procedures unless there is some sort of deformity. So, I do not believe insurance would cover a lift. However there are times when insurance will cover a breast reduction. If your breasts cause pain in your back and shoulders it becomes a medical issue. Depending on your height and weight and the size of your breast you could be a potential candidate. Meet with a surgeon and discuss a breast reduction with him. It is also important to contact... more
+1

Breast Lift and Insurance

Most likley insurance will not cover the costs of a breast lift unless you are correcting a generitc deformity or as part of breast reconstruction.
+1

Insurance & Breast Lift Surgery

Most likely your insurance will not cover breast lift surgery because it is categorized as a cosmetic procedure; however, if you have large breasts that have been causing complications such as back pain, you may be a candidate for a breast reduction, which will reduce the size of your breasts and lift them. Some insurance companies will cover breast reduction or a portion of breast reduction fees, depending on your provider and plan.The only other case where insurance may cover a breast lift... more
+1

Insurance pays for reductions, not lifts

Insurance will pay for many reductions, but not all. There is a limit for removal of tissue, under that number and the insurance company will not pay. A lift is a reduction without a lot of tissue removal.
+1

Occasionally insurance will cover breast lift

There are a few circumstances in which insurance companies will pay for a mastopexy. This most commonly occurs when patients have rashes of the skin in the fold below the breast. Although you need to try treating these rashes with medications first, mastopexy may be covered if that fails. The other situation would be for patients that have breast cancer in one breast and require a breast lift of the other breast in order to achieve symmetry and fit into a bra normally.
+1

Insurance coverage for breast lift surgery

  Some insurance policies may cover breast reduction surgery. If you require a significant reduction to alleviate back breast or shoulder pain, you were insurance policy may cover this procedure. However, if you do not have shoulder breast or back pain symptoms or you require a small breast lift it is unlikely that your insurance company will pay for the surgery as they may to be a cosmetic procedure. The best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon and let... more
+1

Insurance will not pay for cosmetic breast surgery

A breast reduction and breast lift are technically very similar operations. Both procedures could be considered cosmetic. A Breast Reduction also addresses some functional concerns that women have including neck, back and shoulder pain. If your insurance company approves a breast reduction for these medical issues, than you are in luck. A breast lift, on the other hand, is considered a cosmetic procedure, and would not be funded by insurance unless it it done for the purposes of restoring... more
+1

Breast lift rarely covered by insurance

Breast lifts are almost alway considered cosmetic, and therefore, are not covered by insurance. The rare exception would be in the case of breast reconstruction for cancer, where the opposite breast may need a lift for symmetry, and perhaps in a woman who needs a breast reduction on one side, but just a lift or small reduction to the other side. If you are symptomatic from large breasts, a reduction, in which the breast are also lifted, insurance may cover your surgery, as long as you... more
+1

Insurance will not cover a breast lift

Breast lift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure. Insurance companies have specific exclusions for coverage of any cosmetic surgery. Unless you are having symptoms associated with enlarged breasts (symptomatic hypermastia) and require a breast reduction, your insurance company will have no interest in covering your breast lift procedure. Sorry!
+1

Insurance does not pay for a breast lift (mastopexy)

Insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery, nor should it. However, some women have breasts that are too large and a breast reduction (of which a breast lift is a part of the operation) can help solve a functional problem. Well executed, it can also make the breasts look better.
+1

A Breast Lift without Breast Reduction is considered cosmetic surgery and is not insurable

A Breast Lift operation performed mainly to correct a breast that is sagging is not deemed by Insurance Companies as providing any health benefits and therefore is considered to be purely cosmetic surgery. Insurances do not cover cosmetic surgery procedures and therefore a Breast lift for breast lifting purposes alone is not covered. If however, the lift is accompanied with a concurrent Breast Reduction then it may be covered. Keep in mind that before the Reduction is covered certain... more
+1

Insurance coverage for breast lift only for reconstructice cases

The only time i have seen a breast lift covered by the inssurance is during a breast reconstruction of for a congenital malformation e.g severe tuberous breast deformity. For other cosmetic reason, the inssurance will not cover.
+1

Insurance Coverage for breast lift

Typically NOT...In my experience, insurance carriers have specific guidelines that have to be adhered to and surgeons have to document before they "preauthorize" surgery. These requirements, although insurer specific, are usually concerned with the symptoms you are having, the duration of symptoms, non-surgical management (physical therapy), and the amount of breast tissue in grams the surgeon plans on removing...i.e. lots of paperwork and lots of waiting. I suggest that you see a... more
+1

Breast Lift and Insurance coverage

SEE BREAST LIFT VIDEO BELOW: In most instances it is highly unlikely that your insurance would cover a breast lift. I have not seen this with the exceptions of contralateral breast symmetrizing operations for breast cancer reconstruction. see video
+1

The only time I have seen a breast lift covered by insurance was for severe rashes

I had a patient about seven years ago who was able to get a breast lift authorized by her insurance company due to her severe rashes beneath the breasts. She worked outside in the heat of the desert and these rashes were debilitating. Other than such an extreme case, I have not seen this procedure aiuthorized by insurance companies.
+1

Probably not

A true breast lift procedure will not be covered by your insurance company unless it is needed to match a healthy breast to a reconstructed breast (from breast cancer). If you desire a breast reduction at the same time as your lift, then it could possibly be covered. This will depend on the amount of tissue that will need to be removed and each insurance company has unique criteria to determine if you are covered.
+1

Breast lifts often not authorized for insurance

I have never had a breast lift authorized for insurance even in massive weight loss patients that have rashes on their chest from the hanging tissue. On the other hand a formal breast reduction can usually be authorized if the patient has symptoms of macromastia (large breasts) and this operation lifts the breasts as well.
+1

In general a breast lift is considered a cosmetic operation and not covered by insurance

In general, a breast lift is considered a cosmetic operation and therefore is not covered by insurance. A breast reduction, if the breasts are reduced at least two cup sizes, is usually covered by insurance (each insurance company has their own criteria and evaluate each case individually). However a question I often get - is whether a lift can be done at the same time as a reduction. The good news is that a reduction does both - reduces and lifts the breasts. Therefore, this is a... more
+1

You can ask they. I'll bet they'll say no.

Your surgeon may be able to help more if you discuss your situation. Most women that see me about breast lift are seeking a cosmetic change. Mastopexy is very successful at improving your figure, enhancing your breast appearance, and helping bathing suits and clothes fit better. It is sometimes combined with a breast augmentation. Your insurance policy almost certainly says it will not cover this type of surgery. One important exception is lifting the opposite side while reconstructing... more
+1

It actually depends

Angela, When I first read your question I thought "Are you crazy?". Then I thought about it for a few seconds. There are certain conditions of a congenital or genetic nature that may qualify for insurance. One example is a "snoopy breast deformity". If your breast sagging or ptosis is from aging, pregnancy or breast feeding then the initial question applies.
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