How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost?

Question

I have had excess breast tissue after giving brith to my first child. I have problems with bras, and alot of discomfort with it. I have them on both side and they are pretty big. I can wear a fitted under shirt because, the edging after a while hurt.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about whether your Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost. What you are describing is breast tissue in the armpit. This is not an uncommon problem. Sometimes excess breast tissue can become more evident during pregnancy and lactation. Often as in your case,, it can be on both sides and relatively large. Treatment should require that you stop breastfeeding and allow the breast to become involute or become dry of milk in the milk ducts. It would be best if you waited at least several months after you have stopped breastfeeding. If you still have breast tissue in the armpit you should consult with your chosen plastic surgeon. To find a plastic surgeon I would suggest you contact your insurance company. Your insurance card will have a phone number on the insurance. Call the insurance company any find a local provider then consult with your plastic surgeon who is a provider with your insurance company. Then submit to the insurance and ideally you will have an approval for the procedure. If it is approved, ideally your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will take what the insurance pays as payment in full. However every plastic surgeon is different. Please consult with your chosen plastic surgeon. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding whether your Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost. 
I specialize in arm lifts.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding the arm reduction.  If you have any more questions regarding the arm lift, arm reduction, brachioplasty or arm crease fat grafting, please contact my office.  Since a brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of arm lifts. Do your research.  Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 arm lifts.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your best bet would be to meet with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns. Ask to see examples of previous patients the plastic surgeon has helped in your situation.

	 Your plastic surgeon may be able to  approach the insurance company on your behalf;  this is usually done in the form of a letter and photographs.

	 Unfortunately,  I am not optimistic that any health insurance company will provide coverage.

	 Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This would probably be very difficult to convince an insurance company that this is not cosmetic in most cases.  However, submitting pictures may give a better idea of the degree of deformity.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Arm lift surgery is usually considered not medically indicated and hence deemed cosmetic surgery by most insurance carriers.  Please contact your insurance company for more information on your benefits.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It would surprise me if your insurer would cover that sort of surgery. The way to find out is to  seek a consultation, and your surgeon can begin a pre-authorization process to find out. You can call the insurer yourself, but chances are they will ask for codes and things you won't be able to answer. 

	All the best.

How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost?

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Answer: How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost

Answer: How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost

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How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost?

Answers (6)

Answer: Arm lift surgery

Answer: Arm lift surgery

Answer: How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost

Answer: How Do I Find out if My Medical Provider Will Cover my Excess Axillary Breast Tissue Cost

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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