1000g breast reduction from insurance? (Photo)

Aetna has very strict requirements. 1000g is A LOT of breast volume. It would be extremely difficult to leave you with an attractive breast after trying to remove that much tissue. It might be worth pursuing the surgery out of pocket with some good financing options. Best of luck!

At size 36 H, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. 1000 gram removal would take you down to a size C which may be disproportionate to your body. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. This technique is not covered by insurance.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Calm110310,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. A large reduction can be done but may leave you smaller than you wish. A cup size is hard to predict and your surgeon may have been trying to make sure you are not too small after the surgery. It is hard to say based on photos alone but second or third opinions will be helpful.

Thank you for sharing your photos. Large breasts (macromastia) can cause neck and shoulder pain, shoulder grooving and rashes under your breasts. Insurance will often cover breast reduction surgery, but may have specific requirements for how much breast tissue needs to be removed. This procedure can often be performed as an outpatient under IV sedation without general anesthesia. There are different surgical approaches, including some with smaller scars. Your plastic surgeon can often work with you and your insurance company to see about coverage options.

There is never anything wrong with getting a second opinion (or even a third) when considering surgery. What you want to be cautious of is to listen to each surgeon's opinion and not "shop" for the one who will deliver the answer that you want. Hearing varying professional thoughts though is a good idea, just be sure to visit with board certified plastic surgeons.

I typically removed that much tissue. If we remove 1000 grams you may be much smaller than you are.. I would say a small C cup. But definitely doable.

If you want a full C though i would agree to just remove 700 to leave you a nice C cup.

Best to find a board certified plastic surgeon .

Good luck !

Andrew Cohen

I’m confused. Most insurance companies I have dealt with do not openly admit to a minimum breast tissue weight, however, it is generally accepted that a 500 gram removal from EACH side are approved.
There are cases where tiny girls (4’10”) have had smaller amounts excised and obtained insurance approval due to the height/weight removed ratio (in my experience)
Go for several more consultations. I do not see you as a 750 gram/side reduction

Based on the posted photos you do not qualify for 1,000g per breast because it would leave you with very small results. Maybe there was a mix up from the Aetna insurance usually requires 500g per side. Best is to recheck with the insurance company.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, I note large relatively symmetric sagging breasts.
Cup size is an extremely inaccurate measurement of breast volume as there is no standardization in the manufacturing industry (one brand's C is another's D) and many individuals wear poorly fitted bras or do not completely fill the cups.
If we assume that you are well fitted, an H cup is more than ~~~ 1500 cc. An C cup is ~~~ 530 cc and a D cup is ~~~ 760 cc. It looks feasible. However, I cannot verify its accuracy.
I would recommend a second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon as an in-person evaluation with measurements is required to make a determination.
Best wishes...