Is it normal to see a orthopedist for breast reduction? 5'3, 153 pounds with a size 34i breast.

Hello and thank you for your question.
Most Insurance companies want documentation from various Physicians. They want to see if you have explored other areas to relieve the pain, shoulder grooving, rashes, etc. So yes, it is a good idea to see an orthopedic doctor. Best wishes!

Insurance companies have come up with restrictive prerequisites for breast reduction coverage. Documentation of symptoms related to your large breast size, and conservative attempts to relieve those symptoms are typically required. This can be done in a variety of ways. Some people use physical therapist or chiropractor treatments. Orthopedist records might be helpful as well. Keep in mind that a letter of support is typically useless and not part of the criteria. Generally speaking, treatment records are the only supportive documentation that insurance companies consider.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Given that you have back pain, it may not be related to your heavy breasts and your primary doctor may want to rule out other causes. This is not uncommon.

Hi pardeepxkaur,
Some insurances will require evaluations from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, and/or a chiropractor before authorizing a breast reduction surgery. A referral to an orthopedic surgeon would be uncommon...but if your neck pain seemed out of proportion to neck pain from large breasts, or if you were having symptoms concerning for a nerve impingement at the spine level, your primary doctor might refer you to an orthopedic spine surgeon.
Best of luck,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

No reason to see an orthopedist other than to help you get insurance to cover it. It's part of the pre authorization gam. That way your doctor can tell the insurance company that an orthopedic surgeon found no other cause of back pain

Dear pardeepxkaur,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Insurance companies have various criteria that have to be met before they approve for a breast reduction. This may include seeing specialists to see if other interventions other than a breast reduction will improve your symptoms. Your PCP may be "building a case" to give you the best chance for approval.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Breast reduction is both cosmetic and functional, as the procedure often alleviates neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and bra strap grooving due to the weight of the breasts, and chronic rashes beneath the breasts. The reduction procedure is most often performed to regain proper body proportion.
As you are a size 34i and are suffering from back pain, your primary care physician has asked for orthopedic evaluation to rule out spinal pathology as the source of your discomfort. This will assist in obtaining clearance from an insurance carrier to proceed with surgery.
Best wishes...