How long does it take for insurance to approve you for a Breast reduction? (Photos)

Question

So I'm 27 5'1 128lbs. I'm currently a 32 DDD trying to go down to a 32C. I went in three weeks ago for my consultation with an in network surgeon (I have united health care) and it's been 3 weeks. They told me I am a good candidate for surgery and that they're 99% sure I'll get approved but it takes 2-4 weeks. I'm wondering if it is taking this long could there be a chance I won't get approved? I have such bad anxiety over this :( my bra straps cut into my skin, migraines and back problems

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

4 weeks is not unusual, it could even be a little longer depending on the insurance companies back log. However, you should give them a call they might let you know how much longer it will be. Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for you question,     The Bellesoma Method is a current technique to lift and/or reduce breasts without using implants or the ugly vertical scars.  The incisions are hidden around the areola and in the inframammary crease. The vertical incision has been completely eliminated. The areola incision heals almost invisibly due to the fact that there is hardly any tension on the closure. With this particular technique, ducts are preserved along with nerve supply maintaining nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed. Because the breast is reshaped internally and is secured to your chest muscles, upper pole fullness is possible without an implant. Attached is a patient who underwent The Bellesoma Method. Please note that her tissue was used to create upper pole fullness and cleavage without any foreign materials (mesh, implants, etc).  Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance for breast reductions.  Dr. Horndeski does not remove enough breast tissue to meet insurance criteria.  Instead, he utilizes the breast tissue to reshape the breast.  It is a proprietary technique that only surgeons that have been trained by me can perform. I hope this helps. Best wishes and kind regards, Dr. Gary Horndeski

Lisa J. Peters, MD · Answer

3 weeks is not an unusual period of time to wait and I agree with your surgeon that 4 weeks is typical as well (it could even take longer).  It has not been my experience that the longer you wait the less likely you are to get approved.  We advise our patients to call their insurance company directly for an update if they've waited a few weeks and haven't heard yet - sometimes they'll be told they're approved over the phone days or weeks before we receive any notification.

Edwin Chang, MD · Answer

It typically take 2-3 weeks for an authorization to come through.  If you do not hear back from your surgeon in a another week, I would recommend calling your surgeon to make sure that the authorization has been submitted...sometimes things slip through the cracks.  
Given your height, weight, bra cup size and symptoms, I also think that you have a great chance of getting approved.

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