21 years old. 36M bra size. 5'7" and 180 pounds. Am I eligible for a reduction and are there other options? (Photo)

Question

I've had pretty large breasts pretty much since I was in middle school, and I never had a problem with them. But over the last 2 years, my breasts have gone from a 36H to my current 36M and possibly still growing. They are extremely heavy to carry to the point where my back and shoulders start to hurt after standing for only a few minutes. I've tried losing weight, but my breasts didn't go down in size at all, and they make even the simplest exercises difficult.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You should be a candidate for breast reduction surgery, however it would depend on what type of insurance you have. Some policies exclude breast reduction all together. I would suggest that you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a consultation. The surgeon would be able to help you get authorization for surgery if it is a covered procedure. Good luck!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

From your description it seems as if you are a good candidate for breast reduction. Unfortunately, each insurance company has their own criteria. Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.This procedure is commonly covered by insurance through insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses

Jonathan Amspacher, MD · Answer

From your pictures it looks as though you would be an excellent candidate for breast reduction. I think that most insurances would consider you as a candidate if your insurance does cover the procedure at all.   Some individuals can get relief from neck and back pain through targeted physical therapy and exercises but in your situation it looks as though you should combine exercise with surgery.  A breast reduction may not cure all of your symptoms but it would likely give you a high percentage of relief.  There are some informational videos to help you learn more about breast reduction below.

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

A breast reduction is certainly your best option to remove the enormous amount of excessive tissue causing your symptoms

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You could be a candidate for breast reduction, but it will depend on your insurance policy.  Every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will 
cover a breast reduction. More and more, we are seeing plans where a 
breast reduction is not a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit, 
some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be 
remove in order to met their threshold for coverage. Some set the amount
 in relation to your BMI (height and weight). Others require extensive 
medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.
 The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay 
option. Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to 
learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

21 years old. 36M bra size. 5'7" and 180 pounds. Am I eligible for a reduction and are there other options? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

Answer: Candidate?

Answer: Candidate?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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21 years old. 36M bra size. 5'7" and 180 pounds. Am I eligible for a reduction and are there other options? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

Answer: Candidate?

Answer: Candidate?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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