I am a 38 E and have had progressive back problems due to this. I was wanting to get my natural breast reduced to a B cup so that not much fat is left and getting implants to put me back at a DD. Implants are weightless compared to fat so I would achieve the aesthetic I want without the back issues. Will my insurance pay for the breast reduction part of this, if it was ordered by a physician to help with my back problems? Or will I have to pay for it all since I would be adding on Implants?
September 15, 2017
Answer: Can I get a breast reduction and implants in at the same time? A breast reduction's main goal is to reduce the size of the breasts and hopefully help back, neck, and shoulder pain. In general, large breast reductions are better left at "D" cups, because if the breasts are left too small, this is not a great solution. It would be silly to perform a breast reduction and then turn around and perform a breast augmentation because the breasts are now too small. You have to realize that after breast reduction, your belly, legs, and arms will appear bigger as well. Finally, the skin envelope and fullness generated from a "D" is usually more aesthetically pleasing. Medical insurance companies are quite strict about the requirements for covering the cost of breast reduction surgery, BRs which are medically necessary (i.e. you suffer back, shoulder, and neck "pain" with DOCUMENTED medical attention over a period of a year) are typically covered by medical insurance. Determine what medical information is required for your insurance provider to issue a preauthorization or predetermination of benefits for BR surgery. Then seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your medical condition, discuss the pros and cons of this surgery as it applies to you, and help you in completing the paperwork required by your insurance provider. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
Helpful
September 15, 2017
Answer: Can I get a breast reduction and implants in at the same time? A breast reduction's main goal is to reduce the size of the breasts and hopefully help back, neck, and shoulder pain. In general, large breast reductions are better left at "D" cups, because if the breasts are left too small, this is not a great solution. It would be silly to perform a breast reduction and then turn around and perform a breast augmentation because the breasts are now too small. You have to realize that after breast reduction, your belly, legs, and arms will appear bigger as well. Finally, the skin envelope and fullness generated from a "D" is usually more aesthetically pleasing. Medical insurance companies are quite strict about the requirements for covering the cost of breast reduction surgery, BRs which are medically necessary (i.e. you suffer back, shoulder, and neck "pain" with DOCUMENTED medical attention over a period of a year) are typically covered by medical insurance. Determine what medical information is required for your insurance provider to issue a preauthorization or predetermination of benefits for BR surgery. Then seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your medical condition, discuss the pros and cons of this surgery as it applies to you, and help you in completing the paperwork required by your insurance provider. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
Helpful
September 14, 2017
Answer: Can I get a breast reduction and implants in at the same time? I understand your goals. In my practice, I would recommend doing the significant breast reduction first and allowing full healing to occur prior to proceeding with a second stage breast augmentation procedure. Performing a significant breast reduction and breast augmentation procedure at the same time, carries too much risk ( potential complications), in my opinion. The time between the two operations generally is 3 to 6 months for most patients. My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as well. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.
Helpful
September 14, 2017
Answer: Can I get a breast reduction and implants in at the same time? I understand your goals. In my practice, I would recommend doing the significant breast reduction first and allowing full healing to occur prior to proceeding with a second stage breast augmentation procedure. Performing a significant breast reduction and breast augmentation procedure at the same time, carries too much risk ( potential complications), in my opinion. The time between the two operations generally is 3 to 6 months for most patients. My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as well. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.
Helpful
