I am considering a breast reduction. I am currently a 38E. Do I qualify? (photos)

At size 38, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change.  Insurance companies have various criteria. The best 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 and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in breast reductions to determine what is best for you and your goals.Breast reduction is one of my favorite surgeries as it allows me to dramatically improve a woman’s breast appearance as well as alleviate many physical symptoms of large breasts, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, and rashes under the breasts. When I perform breast reduction surgery, I generally use a superomedial pedicle to provide blood supply to the nipple while maintaining fullness in the upper and inner breast. Excess lower and outer breast tissue are removed. Breasts are often asymmetrical, so I remove more tissue from the larger breast. The final scar pattern is a circle around the areola, down the breast, and possibly under the breast, depending on the degree of skin excess.
For me, breast reduction is not a one-size-fits-all surgery. The size and shape of the breasts are customized to each patient depending on her goals and desires. Some women want a significant amount of tissue removed while others prefer to have a more limited reduction. Regardless of the amount of tissue removal, I perform the maximum safe amount of lifting and tightening for each patient.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Reductions. - Dr. Cohen

From your description and pictures you appear to be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if it is a procedure that your insurance covers. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see what your options are. Good luck.

You appear to be a good surgical candidate for a breast reduction. Whether that is covered by your health insurance is a question for the insurance provider. The insurance companies usually require a certain amount of tissue to be removed from each breast. Consult with a few plastic surgeons for a more detailed exam and review of your options.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your recent question and photos.  Based on your photos you appear to be a good candidate for a breast reduction.  Your breasts appear to be very dense and heavy.  I believe a reduction would help relieve you of the neck and  back pain you are having.  The next step would be for you to find a certified plastic surgeon that you trust to preform the surgery. You would meet with he/she in person to see if you are healthy and a good candidate. Best of luck! 

Dear Celebrated8617,
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

You appear to be a good candidate for a breast reduction.  I don’t know if insurance will cover it in your case because they are very specific about their requirements.  The first step is to consult with a surgeon in your area and also call your insurance company to find out what their criteria are.

Schedule an in-office consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in aesthetic breast surgery to discuss your medical history, and the back and neck pain you have experienced for quite some time without relief.  He/she can discuss the pros and cons of this surgery as it applies to you and help you in completing paperwork required for submission to your medical insurance provider to determine if you are a candidate for breast reduction benefit coverage. 
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA
 

Candidates for reduction will typically have documented evidence of neck/back and shoulder pain as well as rashes and bra strap grooving attributable to the increased breast weight. They will often demonstrate that these symptoms have been resistant to more conservative measures like therapy, weight loss and pharmacologic intervention.
In addition to establishing a case for medical necessity, there are also requirements for resection weight. This may be a standard "500 gm per side" stipulation or a more variable standard based upon body surface area/Schnur scale. 
It is important to realize that these weight requirements can occasionally exceed your goals for size reduction. Insurance coverage is contingent on these requirements being met, thus cosmetic concerns become secondary(i.e. cup size goals).
Based on your photos and narrative, you would seem to be a reasonable candidate. 
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame