How common are repeat breast reductions? Will insurance pay for a second one (20 yrs ago)

Oddly enough, most insurance companies don't seem to worry about the fact that you previously had a breast reduction when considering whether to cover a second one. This is even more likely when the previous breast reduction was 20 years ago. The criteria for coverage are the same as for someone who is having a first-time reduction:The patient has symptoms due to having large breasts (e.g. back, neck and shoulder pain, rashes under the breasts) which have not resolved with nonsurgical treatmentA certain minimum amount of breast tissue will be removed. The amount varies by insurance company, and may vary with the height and weight of the patient as well.If this is something you are considering, I would recommend seeing a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in your area for an evaluation.Best of luck to you!

This is difficult to answer without knowing your insurance and current size and symptoms. I recommend an evaluation by a plastic surgeon and also contacting your insurance company to discuss their policy on this as every insurance company varies. #BreastReduction #PlasticSurgery #Insurance 

Thank you for the question. Repeat breast reduction surgery is not unusual, especially when the initial breast reduction surgery is done at an early age ( and when plastic surgeons have been in practice for a longer period of time). Best to check directly with your insurance company to see whether breast reduction surgery is a “covered” benefit with your specific policy. Then, given that every insurance company has different “criteria”, best to identify exactly what your specific insurance company considers criteria for approval. Generally, the more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure. Also, for many insurance companies, the closer you are to your long-term ideal weight, the better.
This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization. Keep in mind, as you work towards your goals breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Also, prepare to be persistent when dealing with health insurance companies. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Occasionally, some women may find that they require a second procedure many years later.  From my experience, it is not very common -- meaning that during the past 10 years, I have had about 5 patients who have seen me for a second breast reduction after having had one 10-20 years previously.  A second procedure may become necessary because most of us can't predict how are bodies will respond to the aging process -- weight gain and changing hormones.  Insurance coverage for a second procedure are typically the same -- medical necessity will have to be demonstrated and a minimum amount of breast tissue will have to be removed.  From a surgical standpoint, it may be slightly more difficult since the operating surgeon will have to know the details from the previous surgery -- specifically, the type of blood supply, or pedicle, that the first surgeon used to preserve the nipple areola complex.  If you are considering a repeat breast reduction, I would recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Good luck!

Insurance companies vary in their policies and your policy would have to be evaluation for precertification.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion of your options.