I’ve had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders with one being unsuccessful/irreparable. Over the past couple of years wearing any type of bra is causing serious pain- primary doctor recommended a Breast Reduction. I ‘m a 38 D, med. frame-5'8”, 155 lbs, 57yrs with dense breasts. BCBS should cover the procedure but requires 500g+ per breast be removed. For pain I’d like to go as small/light as possible for my build (B cup?) Is 500g too much to achieve this and still look proportional?
September 9, 2019
Answer: 500 Grams Too Much for Breast Reduction? Most insurance companies require a minimum of 500 grams needs to be removed in order for insurance to cover. Without pictures it is hard to give an opinion. Your best bet is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to discuss all your options. Good luck.
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September 9, 2019
Answer: 500 Grams Too Much for Breast Reduction? Most insurance companies require a minimum of 500 grams needs to be removed in order for insurance to cover. Without pictures it is hard to give an opinion. Your best bet is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to discuss all your options. Good luck.
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September 9, 2019
Answer: Is 500 gms too much? When considering breast reduction, in addition to establishing a case for medical necessity, there are also requirements for resection weight (when covered by insurance). This may be a standard "500 gm per side" stipulation or a more variable standard based upon body surface area/Schnur scale. It is important to realize that these weight requirements can occasionally exceed your goals for size reduction. Insurance coverage is contingent on these requirements being met, thus cosmetic concerns become secondary(i.e. cup size goals). With regards to your specific question, there are reduction limits which are independent of insurance requirements. A certain amount of tissue must be maintained in order to preserve the vascularity to the nipple areolar complex. The larger and more ptotic the breast, the more difficult it is to reach a significantly smaller size post op (a full B from a D is not unrealistic). As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
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September 9, 2019
Answer: Is 500 gms too much? When considering breast reduction, in addition to establishing a case for medical necessity, there are also requirements for resection weight (when covered by insurance). This may be a standard "500 gm per side" stipulation or a more variable standard based upon body surface area/Schnur scale. It is important to realize that these weight requirements can occasionally exceed your goals for size reduction. Insurance coverage is contingent on these requirements being met, thus cosmetic concerns become secondary(i.e. cup size goals). With regards to your specific question, there are reduction limits which are independent of insurance requirements. A certain amount of tissue must be maintained in order to preserve the vascularity to the nipple areolar complex. The larger and more ptotic the breast, the more difficult it is to reach a significantly smaller size post op (a full B from a D is not unrealistic). As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
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