Does the skin removed counts as part as the total weight required for breast reduction?

Question

Hello, I have a lot of loose skin on my breasts due to breastfeeding and weightloss. I was wondering if the weight of the skin removed counts as part of the total weight required by the insurance. I'm 30yo, 200 lbs, 5'7" mother of 1, wear 40 DDD cup and I'm on wait list to get assessed for breast reduction here in Canada. I've waited all my life for this and I'm really nervous that I won't qualify. Thanks in advance

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The weight of the skin removed from your breast does count towards the total weight required by the insurance company to qualify for breast reduction surgery. Best of luck!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Yes the weight of the reduction usually includes the weight of the breast and the skin in combination.

Elizabeth Hall-Findlay, MD · Answer

Although the skin does qualify as part of the weight for a breast reduction, you need to know that the skin itself does not weigh very much.  Every province has different rules and they are less restrictive than most American health insurance plans.  Many patients think that a referral from a family physician means that they can obtain approval - but it is really between the plastic surgeon and the provincial health care plan.  There is no question that a breast reduction can improve physical symptoms, but many patients are more interested in achieving a good cosmetic result.   With your body weight of 200 lb and 5'7", you would likely need some liposuction along the lateral chest wall to give you a nice result.  That is no longer part of the breast reduction itself and is considered cosmetic.

Meredith Vandegrift, MD · Answer

In the weight of the estimate, skin and the breast tissue itself is all included.  How much is taken off depends on how small you want to be. It sounds like you will likely be able to hit the "target" for insurance coverage, but an in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon will best be able to assess you.  Best wishes!

Does the skin removed counts as part as the total weight required for breast reduction?

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