I am so confused. My insurance approved me for the breast reduction but does not cover the lift. I am a DD or even a triple D trying to be a small C. I must have the lift because my boobs are too huge and will not look good without it. Doing a lot of research a lot of doctors on here say that every breast reduction includes a lift, so why didn't they cover it? Should I change my surgeon and find one that does the lift with the reduction? I am unemployed and $3500 is hard to get.
Answer: Breast reduction includes breast lift Breast reduction surgery that is approved by insurance includes the reduction of breast tissue and lifting the breast. It also includes any additional removal of tissue such as some liposuction if performed at the same time as part of the breast reduction (this does not mean liposuction of areas off the breast). Insurance companies have requirements on the amount of breast tissue needed to be removed for you to qualify for the breast reduction. If you do not have enough tissue to qualify or refuse the removal of the mandated amount of tissue, then the surgery would be considered cosmetic. Cosmetic surgery means that you have to pay for the surgeon fee, hospital fee, and anesthesia fee. There may have been a misunderstanding between you and your surgeon. I would recommend going back for a second consultation or finding a second opinion with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.Trey Aquadro, M.D.Auburn, AL
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Answer: Breast reduction includes breast lift Breast reduction surgery that is approved by insurance includes the reduction of breast tissue and lifting the breast. It also includes any additional removal of tissue such as some liposuction if performed at the same time as part of the breast reduction (this does not mean liposuction of areas off the breast). Insurance companies have requirements on the amount of breast tissue needed to be removed for you to qualify for the breast reduction. If you do not have enough tissue to qualify or refuse the removal of the mandated amount of tissue, then the surgery would be considered cosmetic. Cosmetic surgery means that you have to pay for the surgeon fee, hospital fee, and anesthesia fee. There may have been a misunderstanding between you and your surgeon. I would recommend going back for a second consultation or finding a second opinion with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.Trey Aquadro, M.D.Auburn, AL
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July 7, 2014
Answer: Breast lift vs reduction Hi, thanks for your question and we (as Plastic Surgeons) understand your confusion. It is possible to have a breast lift without a reduction (or with a very minimal reduction), however, if a patient's nipples are lower than the ideal height then a breast lift is an inevitable component of a breast reduction. In short, if your insurance is accepting cover for your breast reduction they are also covering the lift. Your Plastic Surgeon will be able to guide you through this process. You're in good hands.
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July 7, 2014
Answer: Breast lift vs reduction Hi, thanks for your question and we (as Plastic Surgeons) understand your confusion. It is possible to have a breast lift without a reduction (or with a very minimal reduction), however, if a patient's nipples are lower than the ideal height then a breast lift is an inevitable component of a breast reduction. In short, if your insurance is accepting cover for your breast reduction they are also covering the lift. Your Plastic Surgeon will be able to guide you through this process. You're in good hands.
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Answer: Confused: Breast reduction without a lift? A breast reduction always includes a lift unless the breast reduction is performed with liposuction alone. If your surgeon has preauthorized you for a breast reduction not performed by liposuction alone then you will receive a lift. It sounds as though you may have some miscommunication with your surgeon. He would be best to go back and discussed your concerns again.
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Answer: Confused: Breast reduction without a lift? A breast reduction always includes a lift unless the breast reduction is performed with liposuction alone. If your surgeon has preauthorized you for a breast reduction not performed by liposuction alone then you will receive a lift. It sounds as though you may have some miscommunication with your surgeon. He would be best to go back and discussed your concerns again.
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July 6, 2014
Answer: Breast lift with reduction A breast lift is part of a breast reduction. The only exception is reduction done by liposuction. Typically, insurance companies do not approve lifting, but reductions can be. If a reduction is approved, the lift is part of it.
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July 6, 2014
Answer: Breast lift with reduction A breast lift is part of a breast reduction. The only exception is reduction done by liposuction. Typically, insurance companies do not approve lifting, but reductions can be. If a reduction is approved, the lift is part of it.
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July 5, 2014
Answer: Is an uplift included in a breast reduction? Yes, nipple re-positioning (ie an uplift) is always part of a breast reduction. The only exception is a liposuction-only breast reduction, which removes mainly breast fat via liposuction but then allows the skin to tighten by itself. The nipple usually moves up a little bit. This type of minimally invasive, minimal scar breast reduction is usually done in older women who are simply looking to remove some excess weight from their chest and not as much concerned about any residual droop or nipples that might still be low on the breast. This particular technique is not covered by insurance because no intact specimen is produced.Insurance companies have become very difficult in providing appropriate reimbursement for the standard breast reduction, where solid breast tissue specimens are routinely sent to a lab. Many insurance companies require at least 450 grams or more (about one pound) to be removed from each breast. If less is removed, then it is considered cosmetic and not reimbursed.Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City
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July 5, 2014
Answer: Is an uplift included in a breast reduction? Yes, nipple re-positioning (ie an uplift) is always part of a breast reduction. The only exception is a liposuction-only breast reduction, which removes mainly breast fat via liposuction but then allows the skin to tighten by itself. The nipple usually moves up a little bit. This type of minimally invasive, minimal scar breast reduction is usually done in older women who are simply looking to remove some excess weight from their chest and not as much concerned about any residual droop or nipples that might still be low on the breast. This particular technique is not covered by insurance because no intact specimen is produced.Insurance companies have become very difficult in providing appropriate reimbursement for the standard breast reduction, where solid breast tissue specimens are routinely sent to a lab. Many insurance companies require at least 450 grams or more (about one pound) to be removed from each breast. If less is removed, then it is considered cosmetic and not reimbursed.Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City
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