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.
