5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

Question

I'm wondering what other doctors feel about my body. My insurance declined me the first time and said I needed to lose weight. I'm 5'4 and I measure a 38D . I have a bone spur in my neck and pinched nerves in my shoulders. Please help

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Breast reductions are covered by insurance
companies if you meet 2 criteria.  One,
you must have symptoms such as neck, back or shoulder pain attributed to large
breast.  Second, you must meet a weight removal
criteria determined by the insurance company. 
At size 38 D each 200 grams of tissue corresponds to 1 cup size
change.  If they required 500 grams
removal, you would be smaller than a B and be dissatisfied with the
result.  I recommend a new technique
called The Ultimate Breast ReductionTM.  This technique reshapes your breast tissue
creating upper pole fullness, elevates them higher on the chest wall and more
medial to increase your cleavage.  This
technique avoids the ugly vertical scars of the traditional technique,
maintains nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed.  Pain is relieved by transferring the weight
of the breast to the underlying muscle, not by excessive reduction.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Insurance companies should pay for breast reduction based on symptoms of breast heaviness, breast pain, shoulder and neck pain, bra strap grooving. There is no arbitrary amount of breast tissue to be removed to achieve these results, and some women may not lose a lot of weight in their breasts if they are mostly glandular with less fat.  The picture shown would be an indication for a breast reduction if you felt symptoms mentioned above or if you just wanted smaller breasts.  However, getting insurance to pay is difficult because they sometimes make you jump through hoops to postpone or avoiding paying for the surgery. In my practice, I write a letter with photos to the insurance company, indicating the medical reasons why the procedure is indicated.  It can be helpful if you have some documentation from your regular doctor that you have been complaining about symptoms for some time, and that you did try to lose weight or lost weight with no improvement with you symptoms.Some insurance companies will then authorize the procedure, but some simply will not, and it seems arbitrary, based on current ASPS guidelines for breast reduction. Google   asps breast reduction insurance coverageand you will find a PDF position paper on this issue as well as sample appeal letters.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Lower neck and upper back pain are often relieved by Breast Reduction for appropriately selected women. Pain that develops along with the breast is also more likely to resolve with Breast Reduction surgery. Weight loss and physical therapy are often requested by insurance, and are rarely helpful for the women I have treated. In terms of the distribution of weight, your breasts appear out of proportion to your frame. Before have surgery, weigh the risks and the benefits. It is a decision that only you can make.

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

YES!  A breast reduction will definitely help you if you have symptoms.  You look very thin but with pendulous breasts.  A lift, small reduction will be very helpful in reducing or eliminating pain.  Insurance may not pay, its politics and I can't help there, but surgery could change your life.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Hard to believe your health insurance declined your BR... Ask for a supervisor review or that insurance plans medical doctor's review...

5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

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Answer: Will a breast reduction help?

Answer: Will a breast reduction help?

Answer: 5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

Answer: 5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

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5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Will a breast reduction help?

Answer: Will a breast reduction help?

Answer: 5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

Answer: 5'4", 38D. Should I get a breast reduction? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.